[Caring Foundation of Alabama](https://community.bcbsal.org/what-we-do)

July 31, 2026 (annual application period closes; applications accepted May–July each year)

Up to $20,000 per school for the 2026–2027 school year; one-year awards.

Supports Alabama K-12 schools to implement programs or projects promoting health, nutrition, and physical education.

Projects must serve the entire school (not only teams/athletics) and funds must be spent during the awarded school year.

--- ## Description The Be Healthy School Grant program, offered by the Caring Foundation of Alabama (the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama), provides funding for Alabama public and private schools to develop and implement health-focused initiatives. These grants are designed to promote health, nutrition, and physical education throughout the school day, supporting projects that foster lifelong wellness habits among students. Eligible projects may include health education, physical fitness, and nutritional education initiatives, as well as school gardens, playgrounds, and adaptive physical education programming. --- ## Due Dates - July 31, 2026: Application period closes for the annual grant application window (applications accepted May–July each year) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $20,000 per school - Funding is for one school year (2026–2027); funds must be spent within the awarded year, preferably by December 2026. - Requests over $20,000 will not be considered; if your project exceeds this amount, all additional funding must already be secured. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be public or private schools located in Alabama serving grades K–12. - Projects must address at least one of the following: Health Education, Physical Fitness, or Nutritional Education. - Funds cannot be used for: - Individual sports teams or leagues - After-school programs - Stand-alone Pre-K programs - Projects not clearly tied to health/physical education (e.g., fencing, mulch/erosion materials for outdoor spaces) - Equipment for specific athletic teams (e.g., uniforms or team-specific gear) - Projects must primarily benefit the student body during the school day, though community benefit is encouraged if the primary usage is for students and on school property. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted online during the annual window (May–July). - Required information includes: - School and contact details (main and alternate) - Project description, focus area, and rationale - Itemized budget (matching the requested amount) - Project timeline and measurable outcomes - School background (enrollment, Title 1 status, free/reduced lunch %, grade levels, district/county, principal/superintendent info) - Acknowledgement of grant terms (funds used as described, spent in the awarded year, willingness to host a grant visit, and compliance with requirements) - Applicants must ensure all organizational and contact information is up to date in the grant system. - If your school’s tax ID is already in use, contact the program administrator for assistance. --- ## Additional Information - Grant funds remain with the awarded school and cannot be transferred. - The program may request follow-up information, site visits, and documentation of grant impact. - Failure to comply with grant requirements may result in forfeiture and repayment of funds. - Projects that benefit both the school and broader community (e.g., walking tracks, gardens) are encouraged, but the primary benefit must be to students. --- ## External Links - [Program Homepage](https://community.bcbsal.org/what-we-do/be-healthy-school-grants) - [Funding Guidelines](https://community.bcbsal.org/what-we-do/be-healthy-school-grants/funding-guidelines) - [FAQs](https://community.bcbsal.org/what-we-do/be-healthy-school-grants/faq) - [Sample Application (PDF)](http://community.bcbsal.org/_gallery/get_file/?file_id=69c2c2343d633262d33301f8&file_ext=.pdf&page_id=) - [Mailing List Signup](https://community.bcbsal.org/what-we-do/be-healthy-school-grants/mailing-list) - [Grant Account Registration](https://www.grantinterface.com/User/Register?urlkey=bcbsal) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |----------------------|------------------------------------|---------------| | Heidi Ramey (Program Admin) | hramey@bcbsal.org | 205-220-6881 | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://community.bcbsal.org/contact-us) | |

Be Healthy School Grants

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