Healthy Habits for Life Grant

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, established in 2005 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the state’s largest health insurer, aims to improve the health and wellness of Kansans through strategic philanthropic investments. One of its primary programs, Healthy Habits for Life, provides direct support to schools across the state (excluding Johnson and Wyandotte counties) to encourage healthy behavior among students in kindergarten through 12th grade. This competitive grant program offers funding of up to $2,000 per school to support initiatives that teach students about healthy eating, increase physical activity, reduce cardiovascular risk, and reinforce mental health. The program is intended to foster lasting habits that lead to healthier lives, thereby reducing long-term health care costs across Kansas. Projects must be designed and implemented by school personnel including school nurses, PE teachers, principals, health educators, or other administrators. To be eligible, applicants must be from schools located within the Foundation’s 103-county service area. The Foundation requires that funds be used directly for student programming and explicitly excludes spending on staff salaries or wages. Religious organizations may apply if their services are nonsectarian, and parent-teacher groups or sports sponsorships are ineligible. Prior recipients may apply again if their request expands or creates a new program. The 2026 grant application period is now closed, indicating a likely recurring annual cycle. Applications are completed online and must include the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. Funding decisions are made by a Foundation board based on recommendations from an internal committee. Grants are awarded for use within the 2026 calendar year. For more information or future application windows, interested parties are encouraged to contact Marlou Wegener, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation, at marlou.wegener@bcbsks.com or by calling 785-291-7246.