#United States #Jacksonville #Grants #Maternal Health #Florida Blue Foundation

Grant Applications Now Open for Maternal Health Initiatives

The Florida Blue Foundation, an esteemed philanthropic segment of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell family, has recently announced the opening of grant applications dedicated to enhancing maternal health across the state of Florida. This initiative seeks to support nonprofit organizations that are actively working on solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and increase access to quality healthcare services for mothers and their infants.

Background on Florida's Maternal Health Issues

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida's maternal mortality rate is alarmingly above the national average. Recent statistics show that 19.4% of Florida's counties are classified as 'maternity care deserts', indicating significant gaps in adequate maternal healthcare options. Furthermore, chronic health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity elevate the risk of serious pregnancy-related complications, critically contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality within the state.

To combat these pressing issues, the Florida Blue Foundation is particularly keen to support proposals that address:

• - Enhancements in maternal health outcomes for women with chronic conditions
• - Perinatal and postpartum mental health support for mothers

Focus on Innovation and Community Support

A special emphasis will be placed on organizations that leverage innovative solutions powered by artificial intelligence. This includes the use of chatbots or predictive analytics to address maternal health needs. Moreover, the Foundation is looking to fund initiatives that particularly cater to underserved communities and rural areas, where access to healthcare is often limited.

Quote from Foundation Leadership

Susan Towler, the executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation, expressed the organization's ambition, stating, "We are committed to ensuring that every mother and baby in Florida receives quality care throughout each stage of pregnancy and beyond. By partnering with nonprofits that share this vital mission, we aim to enhance their outreach and impact, fostering a healthier future for all Floridians."

Funding Overview

This marks the second round of funding for maternal health initiatives from the Florida Blue Foundation. In the earlier 2025 funding cycle, around $3.1 million was allocated to eight nonprofits that focused on various programs, including nurse navigators, mobile clinics, telehealth services, community-based doulas, and evidence-based group treatment approaches. The organizations funded last time include:

• - AdventHealth Foundation – Ocala
• - Broward Healthy Start Coalition Inc
• - Central Florida Health Care Inc
• - Commonsense Childbirth Inc.
• - Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition
• - Okeechobee County Family Health-Healthy Start Coalition Inc
• - Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
• - The Centre for Women, Inc.

For the current cycle, the Foundation has reserved approximately $3 million to continue these impactful efforts, offering grants with durations of three to four years. Recipients will be notified in early 2026, allowing ample time for initiatives to take shape and flourish.

Application Process

Nonprofit organizations that possess documented experience and expertise in fostering improved maternal health outcomes are strongly encouraged to apply for funding. The deadline for applications is set for Monday, October 6, by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Interested parties can find additional insights and information regarding the application process by watching an educational webinar or visiting the Florida Blue Foundation's official website at www.floridabluefoundation.com.

About Florida Blue Foundation

The Florida Blue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community health through grants, coalitions, and impactful initiatives within Florida, reaching an average of 10 million residents annually. Since its inception in 2001, the Foundation focuses on advancing health through efforts in food security, mental well-being, community health, and addressing health disparities.

About Florida Blue

As Florida's leading health insurer, Florida Blue is committed to helping individuals and communities achieve better health outcomes. For more than 80 years, Florida Blue has offered a variety of healthcare plans designed to ensure accessibility and affordability for its 6 million members throughout the state. With headquarters located in Jacksonville, Florida, and a workforce exceeding 8,000 employees, Florida Blue continues to prioritize the health and wellness of Floridians.

For further information, visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com, and stay updated through Florida Blue's news channels on social media.