PROVIDENCE, RI (7 de abril)—Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is now accepting applications from nonprofits interested in participating in its company-wide day of service, Blue across Rhode Island, which will take place on Friday, 16 de setembro. For the eleventh year, volunteers from BCBSRI will support local community organizations by completing projects that improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. Applications to host volunteer groups are due by Friday, 29 de abril, 2022, and BCBSRI encourages all Rhode Island nonprofit organizations to submit service projects that align with this mission.

“It has been such a challenging time for the people of Rhode Island and our local nonprofit organizations have been there without fail. They never stopped delivering services to Rhode Islanders, particularly the most vulnerable people in our communities, and these heroic organizations and staff need and deserve our support," said Martha L. Wofford, president & CEO, BCBSRI. “Blue across Rhode Island is a day when our employees fan out across the state to support our communities and work towards a healthier state by pitching in and lending a hand. At Blue Cross, this is our favorite day of the year!"

Since the company’s inception, BCBSRI has partnered closely with community organizations across the state through philanthropy, partnership and service. For nearly 20 years we have done so under the banner of BlueAngel Community Investment, BCBSRI’s multifaceted corporate social responsibility program. Blue across Rhode Island is a signature event within this program. With the effects of COVID-19 still reverberating throughout the state, the day will provide much-needed support to organizations – and the heroic staff members that were stretched to the limit throughout the pandemic.

Since Blue across Rhode Island’s launch in 2012, BCBSRI associates have logged more than 32,000 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 149,000 Rhode Islanders.

In addition to providing volunteers, BCBSRI awards each partner organization $5,000 in grant funding. Since the program’s inception, $677,000 in Blue across Rhode Island funding has been distributed to 74 organizations across the state. While any nonprofits with relevant projects are encouraged to apply, 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 PM on Friday, 29 de abril, 2022.

Organizations interested in learning more about the process can also attend a virtual webinar on Wednesday, 13 de abril at 1 PM. Please direct questions and RSVPs to BlueAngel.News@bcbsri.org.