Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas seeking communities for next Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant cycle
TOPEKA, Kansas (July 24, 2026) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) is continuing efforts to invest in the health and wellness of communities across Kansas. Applications are now open for the next Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant cycle. 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, 2026, in order to receive an invitation to submit an application. Applications are due Oct. 2. Awardees will be notified on Dec. 1.
“For ten years, Pathways has brought Kansans together around a shared goal: helping families and neighbors live healthier lives,” said Virginia Barnes, director of Blue Health Initiatives for BCBSKS. “We are excited to partner with the next group of community coalitions and support locally driven solutions that reflect the unique needs and strengths of their communities.”
Eligible applicants are required to:
- Be within the 103-county service area of BCBSKS (all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte).
- Be registered as a Community Health Coalition in the Elevate Kansas Community Health Coalition Network. Coalitions can register here: https://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 held on Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 10 a.m.
More information about Pathways is available at www.bcbsks.com/pathways.
More information about applying to receive funding is available at www.bcbsks.com/blue-health-initiatives/grants.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has served Kansans by delivering outstanding customer service, administering benefits fairly, and processing claims quickly and accurately. As a not-for-profit health plan, we offer programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health while operating with integrity and responsibly managing premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and serves all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.