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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas announces $1,000,000 in grant funding

The Texas-based health plan has partnered with National Fitness Campaign to award funding to municipalities, schools and other organizations to improve quality of life and create equitable access to outdoor exercise programs for communities around the state.

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By Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

For more than 90 years, we have forged alliances with local nonprofit organizations to show our commitment to help build healthy communities.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has joined National Fitness Campaign (NFC) as the Texas state sponsor to help build healthy communities and expand access to free, world class fitness across the Lone Star State. One million dollars in grant funding is now available from NFC and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for up to 20 qualifying communities statewide. The grant program and partnership includes in-depth consulting support for local leaders, advocates and stakeholders interested in joining the campaign, which is planning its 500th healthy city in America this year. The NFC team supports communities in applying for, planning, funding and activating the program, laying the foundation for a wellness culture that will endure for decades across Texas.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is thrilled to collaborate with National Fitness Campaign to bring free and accessible outdoor physical fitness sites to communities across Texas.”

— Sheena Payne, Director of Community Affairs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

NFC is a wellness consulting firm that brings health and happiness to cities across America through its Healthy Cities Campaign. The Campaign is a community wellness initiative based around the Fitness Court®, the world’s best outdoor gym. The Fitness Court features a series of seven-minute workouts designed by leading fitness experts and includes digital coaching on the free Fitness Court app, keeping training fun for adults of all ages and fitness levels. There are also opportunities for free fitness classes through an ambassador program featuring local trainers. And, each Fitness Court is a unique work of art with the capability of being designed by local artists as an individual statement that will bring inspiration to each local campaign.

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Through the partnership, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Fitness Courts will be constructed in easily accessible public spaces, bringing community wellness programs to tens of thousands of people.

Municipalities, schools, parks and recreation and other organizations who own accessible public space may apply for funding to assist in building a Fitness Court, courtesy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the NFC. Grant funding is available for up to 20 qualifying communities – click here to request a briefing for funding qualification. The funding qualification process is supported by NFC’s expert consulting team, and includes assistance for civic and school officials to evaluate participation and complete an application. If approved, your community will be further assisted in developing and confirming local consensus, project adoption, local promotion and launch as an awardee.

NFC’s award-winning initiative is now planning its 500th Healthy Community in America in 2022 and is poised to deliver important outdoor wellness programs in a time of great need throughout Texas and across the country.

As a collective force, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and NFC are working together to forge partnerships that improve the quality of life through an investment in outdoor wellness infrastructure. Learn more and join us on our journey.