Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation Launches Impact Investment Fund to Strengthen Ohio Communities

New program will deploy capital to mission-driven businesses and nonprofits addressing health-related social needs

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, the charitable arm of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, launched a new program that deploys capital into mission-driven organizations working to improve health-related social needs.

Established as the Impact Investing Program, this fund focuses on investments in hyper-local, innovative solutions that support mental health, individuals with disabilities or health challenges, housing, food, transportation, access to care, and other social health factors.

“Creating healthier communities starts with investing in the organizations already making a difference for Ohioans,” said Jane Peterson, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. “Through impact investing, we're helping local nonprofits and small businesses expand their reach, strengthen communities, and improve health and economic opportunities across Ohio.”

Through the program, the Foundation will provide access to inclusive and lower-cost financing via loans with interest rates below prime rates to small businesses, social enterprises, and nonprofits tackling unmet health-related social needs. Potential recipients include organizations focused on the following efforts:

• Improving social health factors, including housing stability and accessibility, healthy food production, access and security, transportation, social connection, digital health, culturally competent care, or economic opportunity.
• Supporting individuals with disabilities or health challenges through accessible services, adaptive technologies, or inclusive environments that can provide holistic support and services such as vocational training, life skills, community-based health interventions, and employment opportunities.
• Addressing behavioral and mental health needs, especially with trauma-informed or community-centered programs outside of the traditional provider models. This category seeks local, community-based organizations that strive to expand access to behavioral healthcare through services and workforce training.

As part of its launch in Ohio, the Foundation is partnering with Mission Driven Finance to provide low-interest loans with repayment terms ranging from one to five years. Funds can be used to hire staff, manage payroll, upgrade facilities, purchase equipment, cover rent and utilities, refinance high-interest debt, or provide bridge financing while awaiting contract or grant payments. As loans are repaid, funds are reinvested to support additional organizations, creating a sustainable cycle of community investment.

Small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises interested in learning more about the Impact Investing Program or applying for funding can visit https://www.missiondrivenfinance.com/loans/elevance-health-foundation.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit www.elevancehealth.foundation and its blog at www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation.