The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the insurance company Humana Inc., has relaunched its signature Humana Communities Benefit program, which awards multi-year grants totaling $350,000 to eligible nonprofit companies.
The program is now underway in the Tampa Bay area, as well as Chicago and San Antonio, Texas, for organizations focused on promoting healthy behaviors and relationships.
But now Humana wants the online community to be involved, letting an online vote be a part of the overall judging process.
“This new approach with Humana Communities Benefit is a natural evolution for the program as Humana and the Humana Foundation work to improve the health of the communities we serve nationwide,” said Bruce Broussard, president and chief executive of Humana, in a release. “We have added several new features to the program, including the online vote, which provides an opportunity for each community to have a stake in which organization in each region is awarded our $350,000 grant.”
The new program will award nonprofits a three-year infusion of funds, enabling the winners to receive $200,000 the first year, $100,000 the second year, and $50,000 in the final year. The funds will be used to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities that have a positive, transformational impact on the organization and the community.
Tampa Bay was one of three locations chosen because it employs more than 3,500 employees here, more than in any other area outside of their Louisville, Kentucky, headquarters.
The foundation has given more than $8 million to nonprofits in 11 communities nationwide since starting in 2003. The previous program awarded one-time, $100,000 charitable grants, including one to Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful in 2013, which used the money to build the Humana Educational Pavilion at the Florida Learning Garden in Tampa.
Locally, the competition is open to local nonprofits in Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando and Pinellas counties. Applications can be submitted to Humana.com/hcb, but must be completed by June 30.
Judging, including an online component, begins in August.
