2025 Healthy Habits for Life Grant

The Healthy Habits for Life program, funded by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, is offering grants aimed at assisting schools in promoting healthy lifestyle choices among K-12 students. The program recognizes the unique opportunity schools have to influence students' health behaviors through educational curricula and programs. By targeting students in a setting where they spend a significant amount of time, the Foundation aims to instill lifelong healthy habits that can help combat childhood obesity and improve mental health, ultimately benefiting the health of the broader Kansas community. The primary purpose of the Healthy Habits for Life grant is to support initiatives that help Kansas youth reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, learn healthy eating habits, and reinforce positive mental health. The Foundation believes that by addressing these areas, schools can play a crucial role in fostering a healthier future generation. The maximum grant amount available is $2,000, and each school is limited to one grant. Collaboration among school personnel is encouraged to develop comprehensive programs that effectively meet the needs of students. Eligible applicants for this grant include school nurses, physical education teachers, principals, health or family and consumer science teachers, and other school administrators. The grants are available to schools located in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation service area, which encompasses all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. This focus on specific educational professionals aims to ensure that those with direct influence over student health and wellness are empowered to implement effective programs. The funds provided through this grant must be used directly for student benefit and cannot be allocated for staff salaries or wages. This stipulation emphasizes the program's commitment to ensuring that resources are utilized to enhance student health initiatives rather than administrative costs. Schools interested in applying for the grant should prepare to demonstrate how their proposed programs will directly impact student health and wellness. Submission requirements for the grant application are detailed on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation website. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their proposed programs, including objectives, expected outcomes, and how the funding will be utilized. The evaluation criteria will likely focus on the program's potential effectiveness, alignment with the Foundation's goals, and the ability to reach and positively influence students. The application deadline for the Healthy Habits for Life grant is set for October 31, 2024. Schools are encouraged to plan their submissions accordingly to ensure they meet this deadline. Important dates and additional information can be found on the Foundation's website, which serves as a resource for potential applicants seeking to understand the grant's requirements and objectives. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the Foundation directly via email at marlou.wegener@bcbsks.com. This grant represents an opportunity for schools in Kansas to secure funding that can significantly enhance their efforts in promoting healthy habits among students, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the community.