Local charities invited to apply for $100,000 grant through Humana Communities Benefit

Local charities are being invited to apply for a $100,000 grant through Humana Communities Benefit, an award program sponsored by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM).

“The nonprofit community has been hit hard by the tough economy we're in, yet they've endured and continued their vital missions to improve our communities and neighborhoods”

"The nonprofit community has been hit hard by the tough economy we're in, yet they've endured and continued their vital missions to improve our communities and neighborhoods," said Tim Cappel, president, Humana of Ohio. "The Humana Communities Benefit grant program is one way we support their efforts, and it's been amazing to see how the funding available through this program can truly transform an organization."

The program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Tri-State area that are focused on improving community health or building healthy neighborhoods. These may be accomplished through the following types of projects or initiatives:

• Childhood health and education - Seeking to improve health and academic achievement of children through the education landscape.
• Family wellness and active lifestyles - Strengthening the health of families through physical, social, mental, emotional or environment support.
• Health literacy for diverse populations and seniors - Improving people's ability to access, understand and use health information, especially among low-income populations and senior citizens.

The goal of the $100,000 grant is to make a positive, transformational impact on local organizations and allow them to reach greater milestones. In previous years, Humana Communities Benefit honorees have achieved phenomenal success:

• Stepping Stones Center has broken ground on the new facilities for its Step-Up program. Step-Up is a unique education program for school-age children affected by autism, and the Humana Communities Benefit grant will allow the nonprofit to grow its facilities to serve 50 percent more children.

• Easter Seals Work Resource Center used the funding from Humana to expand its Building Ability program, which teaches woodworking skills to individuals with disabilities. The carpentry activities also provide valuable work training opportunities. With support from Humana, the organization tripled its existing space and can serve three times as many individuals with disabilities.

Applications from eligible nonprofits are being accepted now through July 9, 2010. A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives will work with Humana to select this year's $100,000 honoree. Finalists will make a formal presentation before the judges' panel, and the winner will be announced at a celebratory dinner in October 2010.