Through the grant cycle, up to 20 community coalitions will receive two-year coordination grants of $100,000 each. Funded coalitions will then work with local partners to identify and implement five projects per community that are eligible for implementation grant funding totaling up to $150,000.

Since 2016, Pathways has partnered with communities across Kansas to address local health priorities and create lasting improvements in health and well-being. Over the past 10 years, the initiative has provided community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to engage residents, build partnerships and remove barriers to active living, healthy eating, behavioral health and commercial tobacco prevention.

The funding period is Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2028. BCBSKS is accepting letters of intent from community health coalitions interested in applying for the grant. Letters of intent must be submitted no later than Aug. 21 in order to receive an invitation to submit an application. Applications are due Oct. 2. Awardees will be notified on Dec. 1.

Eligible applicants are required to:

l Be within the 103-county service area of BCBSKS (all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte).

l Be registered as a Community Health Coalition in the Elevate Kansas Community Health Coalition Network. Coalitions can register here: elevatekansas.org/coalitions/.

Community Health Coalitions are broad, multi-sector groups that bring together organizations, community leaders and residents to improve health and well-being in their communities. Informational webinars will be 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. 10 a.m. Aug. 12.