Grants are awarded to community initiatives that encourage health and well-being.
Williston, ND. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is excited to announce the award of a $25,000 SPARK grant to the Williston Basin United Way. This grant will enhance access to transportation through the No Fare/Low Fare Ride Program administered by Williston Council for the Aging.
The No Fare/Low Fare Ride Program is crucial in providing affordable and accessible transportation for vulnerable members of the community, including seniors, veterans, students in the McKinney-Vento program, and those traveling to attend Head Start. This program also helps match state and federal grant programs, ensuring affordable fares for low-income and disabled riders.
"We are grateful to the BCBSND Caring Foundation for awarding us this $25,000 SPARK grant," said Sabrina Ramey, director of Williston Basin United Way. "This grant will be passed in its entirety to Williston Council for the Aging. It will allow them to expand their No Fare/Low Fare Ride Program and make an increased impact on the lives of those we both serve. Affordable public transportation for the most vulnerable in our community allows them to attend medical appointments, school, social activities, visit family, go to work and achieve a level of independence most of us take for granted."
Amber Blomberg, Executive Director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation also expressed excitement about presenting this grant opportunity to Williston Basin United Way, saying, "We are thrilled to support the incredible work of the Williston Basin United Way and Williston Council for the Aging. We know this will empower them to expand their No Fare/Low Fare Ride Program. This grant represents our commitment to addressing the Social Determinants of Health by increasing access to services in North Dakota communities to improve the lives of those who need it the most."
Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) grants are awarded to initiatives that encourage health and well-being in local communities, reflect community priorities and demonstrate strong local collaborations. The SPARK grant program, run by the BCBSND Caring Foundation, offers funding to non-profit organizations throughout North Dakota.
For more information about Williston Basin United Way and The Caring Foundation, please visit https://www.willistonbasinunitedway.org/ and https://www.bcbsnd.com/caring-foundation.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/caring-foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
