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Fourteen nonprofits receive more than $470,000

HELENA, Montana — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana has awarded more than $470,000 to 14 statewide nonprofits through its Blue Impact^℠ Grant program. This year’s grants reflect BCBSMT’s commitment to addressing social and economic factors that play a role in the health and wellness of the communities we serve. 

“We are deeply committed to improving the health and wellness of all Montanans by supporting the meaningful work of our community partners," said BCBSMT President Lisa Kelley. “Together, we invest in efforts that improve health outcomes, expand access to care and strengthen communities throughout Montana.”

These community partners are essential in helping drive positive impacts and creating solutions that help build healthier communities in Montana. The Blue Impact focus areas and 2025-26 grantees are:

Economic opportunity and stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing employment barriers, providing good jobs and upskilling.

Montana Historical Society preserves Montana’s past, shares its stories and inspires exploration to provide meaning for today and vision for tomorrow.

The Angel Fund assists Helena School District children who qualify for free or reduced lunch with items, including clothes, winter outerwear, school supplies, field trip fees and shoes. 

Flathead Warming Shelter aims to save lives, link resources and encourage dignity through access to a warm safe place for those in need.

Grandstreet Theater is a community-powered theatrical organization working to elevate the human spirit and brighten Helena through live theatre and theatrical education. 

Nutrition: Supporting efforts to reduce food insecurity and increase access to nutritious food.

Montana Food Bank Network supports 1 in 6 Montana children who live with food insecurity with its statewide Child Nutrition program.

Garden City Harvest plants seeds and grows together to create a healthy Missoula on over 20 urban and neighborhood farms and community gardens.

Arlee Community Development Corporation assists and fosters the people of the Arlee-Jocko Valley community by planning and developing projects that benefit them socially, physically, economically and culturally.

Great Falls Community Food Bank works to ensure agencies and schools receive resources needed to reduce community food insecurity.

Neighborhood and built environment: Focusing on affordable, healthy housing and access to transportation and physical activity.

Prickly Pear Land Trust creates healthy futures for Montanans by protecting places where they work, play and learn.

Locally defined health solutions and optimal health solutions: Addressing local health and human service needs.

Cancer Support Community Montana uplifts and strengthens people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities and breaking care barriers.

Friends of the Children, Western MT impacts generational change by empowering youth facing obstacles through relationships with professional mentors.

Montana Conservation Corps aims to ignite potential for leadership, service, action and resilience that exists in people through conservation service.

Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close gaps in care, specifically around six priority areas — immunizations, diabetes care, cardiovascular care, behavioral health, early detection cancer screening and maternal and infant health.

Catalyst for Change brings mental health services to Montanans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

Montana State University Foundation develops and implements a rural Advanced Practice Registered Nurse program to enhance rural health care. 

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSMT is the largest and longest-standing statewide, customer-owned health insurer and full-service health benefits administrator in Montana. BCBSMT has provided high-quality health insurance plans and administrative services to Montanans for 85 years and is committed to ensuring its members — no matter where they are on the health spectrum — achieve maximum health. Headquartered in Helena with five regional offices, BCBSMT’s purpose is to stand with its members in sickness and in health.

Media Contact

Bryan Campen
bryan_campen@bcbsil.com