PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 8, 2024) — Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is now accepting applications from nonprofits interested in participating in Blue across Rhode Island, a companywide day of service, on Friday, Sept. 13.

Every year, BCBSRI employees volunteer to spend the day supporting the community, and they can’t wait for Friday, Sept. 13 for the next Blue across Rhode Island — lucky #13. Applications to host volunteer groups are open now through Friday, April 26, and BCBSRI encourages all Rhode Island nonprofit organizations to submit service projects that align with its mission to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders.

“Our local nonprofits work tirelessly to deliver critical services to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable residents and we are honored to support them. During Blue across Rhode Island, our employees spread out across the state to join them shoulder-to-shoulder in our shared mission to build a healthier Rhode Island. We look forward to lending our community partners a helping hand on what is always our favorite day of the year!” said Martha L. Wofford, president & CEO, BCBSRI.

Since the company’s inception, BCBSRI has partnered closely with community organizations across the state through philanthropy, partnership and service. For more than 20 years, the company has done so under the banner of BlueAngel Community Investment, BCBSRI’s multifaceted corporate social responsibility program. Now in its 13^th year, Blue across Rhode Island is a signature event within this program.

Since Blue across Rhode Island’s launch in 2012, BCBSRI associates have logged more than 37,000 hours preparing meal kits for those struggling with food insecurity, building playgrounds, upgrading outdoor green spaces, and renovating shelters for those experiencing homelessness. These projects have had an impact on the lives of more than 184,000 Rhode Islanders.

In addition to providing volunteers, BCBSRI awards each partner organization $5,000 in grant funding. Since the program’s inception, $810,000 in Blue across Rhode Island funding has been distributed to 78 organizations for more than 140 projects. BCBSRI is prioritizing projects that can host 30-35 volunteers for a minimum of four hours of in-person volunteer work, or host 50+ volunteers for 1-2 hours of virtual volunteer work.

Organizations must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to qualify for Blue across Rhode Island. Learn more and apply online at www.cybergrants.com/BCBSRI/BARI. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

For more information, contact BlueAngel.News@bcbsri.org.