MEDFORD, Minn., July 11, 2024 – South Country Health Alliance has announced the organization will award up to $2.16 million total in grants through its South Country Cares Community Impact Program. Proposals are being accepted now through September 30, 2024, for initiatives that will benefit South Country members and help address the challenges and health disparities of living in rural Minnesota. South Country has reinvested more than $22 million in its communities through the program since 2001.
“South Country was built on a founding principle of reinvesting in our communities when financial conditions allow,” said Leota Lind, South Country’s CEO. “We are proud to offer this grant opportunity to support providers and community organizations that provide services to improve the health and well-being of our members in our rural communities.”
South Country is a county-owned health plan. Through partnerships with public health, social services, and local health care providers and organizations, South Country supports accessible, quality health care for enrollees in Minnesota’s publicly funded health care programs.
Community providers and organizations are encouraged to apply for grants to expand service delivery and/or program options that serve South Country members in Brown, Dodge, Goodhue, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha and Waseca counties. Special attention will be given to proposals that focus on the areas of behavioral health, homelessness and/or social isolation. Respondents may propose grant funding for projects up to two years and South Country may award qualified applicants up to $250,000 in grant funds.
According to Lind, South Country plans to select and announce the grant recipients later this year and grant funds will be provided the beginning of 2025.
Additional information and the grant application packet is available on South Country’s website. Questions can be submitted via email to grants@mnscha.org.