AZ Blue Foundation Announces $75K Grant Opportunity to Address the Loneliness Epidemic

PHOENIX – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement has opened applications for its 2024 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant. This year’s grant will tackle the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.

The grant will provide $75,000 to a project that builds social connections and community that, ultimately, improves health. Nonprofits and schools in Arizona can apply from July 1 to July 31, 2024. 

In 2023, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared a national epidemic of loneliness and social isolation. The issue affects at least one in two adults in the US, impacting their physical, mental, and social health. 

“Loneliness is a widespread issue that impacts the health of individuals, families, and communities,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, President and Board Chair of the Foundation. “We thank the Thiru Family Trust for their generous support to help strengthen social connections within our state.”

The grant began in 2023 with a donation from the Thiru Family Trust to inspire new paths to mental health and well-being. Each year, the grant identifies a specific area of mental health-related need, designed to uplift Arizona’s communities.

“Our family believes that mental health is a key component of overall well-being, and early intervention can reduce the severity of mental health issues,” said Thiru Thangarathinam, CEO, Salesforce Business Unit, at Mastek. “By addressing loneliness and isolation, we can help tackle key mental health challenges. Communities with strong mental health support and social connections enjoy healthier lives, both mentally and physically, and are more united as a society.”

For more information and to apply for the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant, visit: https://www.azbluefoundation.org/grants/momentum-maker-grant.