As 2025 began, so did the Nebraska Blue Foundation’s inaugural grant cycle. The foundation powers Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s philanthropic initiatives, supporting programs that improve the health and well-being of Nebraskans and the economic vitality of the state.
The foundation’s first grant cycle, which launched in January, asked Nebraska nonprofits to submit a letter of intent for programs that focus on preventive care and support the health and well-being of seniors across the state. In May, the foundation awarded $300,000 to 20 organizations.
“We’re proud to uplift these nonprofits and support their important work by providing community members with the resources they need to live long, healthy lives,” said Jay Warren-Teamer, executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation and community and strategic engagement leader at BCBSNE. “As a champion for well-being, we share in these organizations’ goals to create healthier communities.”
The grant funds support initiatives to strengthen health care coordination, expand access to preventive health care and rural outreach services, provide enrichment for seniors’ well-being and more.
Among the grant recipients, the Intercultural Senior Center of Omaha was awarded $25,000 to improve access to dental care, a crucial aspect of overall health. The grant helped ISC expand its partnership with Dignity Dental to provide no-cost dental services to seniors.
“A lot of our senior population are refugees,” said Carolina Padilla, CEO of ISC. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a full understanding of what the medical needs are for underserved populations and there’s a lot of need in the aging community.”
Dental care at ISC not only improves health but boosts confidence among seniors.
“You can see it in their smiles,” said Tracy Reineke, mental health coordinator and interpreters services at ISC. “They give me bigger smiles; there’s a huge difference in their confidence level.”
The Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation of Omaha received a grant for its pediatric lead program, which screens children for exposure to lead which could cause developmental delays. The funding allows the program to expand into rural areas including Nemaha, Otoe and Richardson counties.
“We’ve had a really great track record of providing screenings in Omaha,” said RyAnne Elsesser, chief operating officer for NEMHF.
“But we also knew there were needs in rural communities that don’t have the backbone of large health systems.”
The program includes education and resources including screening kits and water testing kits.
“Just seeing the fear on parents’ faces when their children are exposed to lead; they feel very helpless,” said Lou Shonka, director of marketing at NEMHF. “That connectivity to education and resources is something that will create long-term impact for generations.”
The Nebraska Blue Foundation’s next grant cycle will take place this fall and provide funds to nonprofits focused on economic vitality and investments in third places.
“We look forward to expanding our impact and providing support to the populations that need it the most by empowering organizations across the state,” Warren-Teamer said.
Learn more about the foundation and its grant recipients at NebraskaBlue.com/Foundation.
