The Florida Blue Foundation announced on Mar. 4 a $3.5 million investment to support organizations working to improve maternal health outcomes across Florida, with a focus on women with chronic conditions and those needing perinatal and postpartum mental health services.
This funding aims to help close gaps in access to care for mothers and families, particularly in rural areas and communities with limited resources. The foundation said the grants will back programs that meet mothers “where they are — in clinics, in their homes, in early learning centers, and in places that are comfortable and convenient for them,” according to Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “Every program we support helps close gaps in access, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and strengthen families across the state,” Towler said.
Among the recipients is The Children’s Movement of Florida. Madeleine Thakur, president & CEO of the organization, said: “To truly make progress for the youngest Floridians, we must impact the adults — in the family and community — who help shape children’s lives. We are grateful for the support from Florida Blue Foundation, which is helping to bridge gaps in care and services for new mothers and families.”
In addition to its maternal health initiative, the foundation opened applications for its 2026 food security grant program. Approximately $3.2 million will be awarded to proposals focused on transforming health through food by supporting nutrition education, counseling, medical nutrition therapy, fresh produce distribution, and partnerships addressing food insecurity as a social determinant of health. Another priority is growing access by supporting organizations that provide essential food distribution services or promote urban agriculture.
The application window for these grants closes April 22. More information can be found through the foundation’s food security grant application link.
Florida Blue Foundation reports it serves an average of 10 million Floridians each year through its community investments since its founding in 2001. The foundation focuses on improving health by impacting food security, advancing mental well-being, growing healthy communities, and addressing disparities.
