The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement has announced a new opportunity, the Momentum Maker grant, to inspire new paths to mental health and well-being. With a donation from the Thiru Family Trust, the Momentum Maker grant will be an annual opportunity to uplift Arizona’s communities.
The 2023 Momentum Maker grant is focused on improving mental health in schools by addressing stress and anxiety faced by Arizona students, teachers and staff. The foundation will be accepting applications through Aug. 10.
“The mental health of our students and teachers has seen a decline and it's become clear that even more support and resources are needed to promote their well-being,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, president and board chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. “We are thankful for the Thiru Family Trust and their generous donation that allows us to enhance the foundation’s mental health efforts and work closely with schools to create positive change.”
One school or district will be selected to earn a grant package valued at $75,000 comprised of three components:
- $25,000 that the grantee determines how best to use for mental health activities that address school mental health needs.
- Expert guidance provided by Teen Lifeline on policies, practices and guidance to bolster well-being and resilience (valued at $35,000).
- Trainings and skill-building sessions (e.g., mindfulness, well-being promotion, etc.) provided by M2 Well-Being to build teacher and staff capacity that strengthens their mental health (valued at $15,000).
“In my own personal journey, I have had experiences that have impacted my mental and physical health, and that’s why this donation to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is so meaningful,” said Thiru Thangarathinam, CEO – Salesforce Business Unit at Mastek. “Giving has become a key part of our family values, and we are honored to provide resources to impact and improve the mental health in our communities.”
The Momentum Maker grant adds another dimension to the foundation’s flagship focus on addressing mental health in Arizona. Each year, the grant will identify a specific area of mental health-related need.
Schools and districts can apply for the 2023 Momentum Maker grant. The foundation will also accept submissions from an individual applying on behalf of a specific school or district that would benefit from the Momentum Maker grant.
For more information and to apply for the Momentum Maker grant, visit azbluefoundation.org/grants/
