BCBSRI seeks volunteer project applications for 10th annual day of service — Blue across Rhode Island
2021 event marks A Decade of Dedication; will be held on September 24, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is accepting applications for its company-wide day of service. This year’s Blue across Rhode Island, which will take place on September 24, 2021, marks the 10th year for the annual, day-long event, which supports Rhode Island nonprofits. Applications are due by Friday, May 7, 2021.
For the past nine years, Blue across Rhode Island has coordinated the desire of BCBSRI team members to support critical community service organizations and work together to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. This year as we continue in the fight to control the pandemic, and work toward recovery on so many fronts, BCBSRI remains steadfast in its commitment.
“After more than a year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, we know how critical it is for our local nonprofits to receive support that helps them meet their missions. Nonprofit organizations of all types never stopped supporting the needs of people in our state, despite being impacted themselves, and day after day have continued to provide every need whether food, housing, financial support and more,” said Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of corporate social responsibility. “This September 24 we will mark A Decade of Dedication to the Rhode Island community as we yet again fan out across the state to make an impact on the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. We know the need is great and our associates continue to respond with an unwavering response that we are here to help our community partners across the state.”
BCBSRI’s multifaceted corporate social responsibility program, BlueAngel Community Investment, has enabled BCBSRI to fulfill its social mission through philanthropy, partnership and service for nearly twenty years. Blue across Rhode Island – a signature initiative of BlueAngel Community Investment – has been one instrument in that work and become a beloved day among associates and community-based organizations alike.
Since the launch of Blue across Rhode Island 10 years ago, BCBSRI associates have logged more than 30,000 volunteer hours on projects such as 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 impacted the lives of more than 133,000 Rhode Islanders. BCBSRI also provides each organization with $5,000 in grant funding. In the past nine years, BCBSRI has provided more than $600,000 in funding through the Blue across Rhode Island initiative.
All Rhode Island nonprofit organizations are invited to submit service projects with missions aligned with BCBSRI’s own: to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders by improving their health and well-being. Additionally, organizations with opportunities for virtual service projects are encouraged to apply, given the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Projects prioritized for Blue across Rhode Island include those that are:
- In-person projects that follow COVID-19 safety protocols including mask wearing and ability to have volunteers maintain safe social distance.
- Virtual projects that can engage up to 50 volunteers in shifts
- Projects that contribute to safe and affordable housing
- Projects that address social determinants of health or health equity
- Projects that support COVID-19 relief and recovery
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 May 7, 2021.
Organizations interested in learning more about the process can also participate in an informational webinar on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 9 a.m. Questions and RSVPs can be directed to BlueAngel.News@bcbsri.org.
