Local organizations invited to apply for 8^th annual Blue across Rhode Island day of service

PROVIDENCE, RI – Applications are now being accepted for one of the state’s largest annual days of community service -- Blue across Rhode Island. Launched by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) eight years ago, the day-long event provides support to critical community service organizations working to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders.

This year’s Blue across Rhode Island is especially meaningful as it comes during BCBSRI’s year-long 80^th anniversary celebration, and more specifically, this year’s Blue across Rhode Island day of service is an integral part of the company’s 80 Acts of Kindness – It’s What We Live For. The community-service inspired campaign encourages BCBSRI employees to expand the company’s roster of volunteer activities, and member- and community-focused initiatives to no fewer than 80 in 2019.

“For 80 years now, Blue Cross has had deep-seated Rhode Island roots and an unwavering commitment to our community,” said Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of community relations. “Blue across Rhode Island is a demonstrable commitment to our vision to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. The impact of this day of service can be seen and felt across dozens of Rhode Island communities for the benefit of thousands of Rhode Island residents.”

For the past seven years, BCBSRI’s Blue across Rhode Island initiative has provided more than 24,000 volunteer hours to projects like building playgrounds, renovating women’s shelters, upgrading outdoor green spaces and providing meals to those struggling with food insecurity. BCBSRI also provides each organization with a $5,000 grant to support expenses incurred for the volunteer project. In all, BCBSRI has provided $380,000 in funding since the first Blue across Rhode Island in 2011.

Blue across Rhode Island will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019. Non-profit organizations selected for service projects will have missions aligned with BCBSRI’s own: to improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders by improving their health. Special consideration will be given to organizations and projects addressing the social and environmental factors that impact health and well-being.

To qualify for Blue across Rhode Island, organizations must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. Learn more and apply online at www.cybergrants.com/BCBSRI/BARI. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019.

Organizations interested in learning more about the process can also attend an informational webinar on Wednesday, April 10, at noon. Questions and RSVPs can be directed to blueangel_news@bcbsri.org.