Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant will help address mental health across the state  

PHOENIX – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement (the Foundation) announces a new opportunity, the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant, to inspire new paths to mental health and well-being. With a donation from the Thiru Family Trust, the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant will be an annual opportunity to uplift Arizona’s communities.  

The 2023 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant is focused on improving mental health in schools by addressing stress and anxiety faced by Arizona students, teachers, and staff. The Foundation will be accepting applications from July 10 to Aug. 10, 2023. 

“The mental health of our students and teachers has seen a decline and it's become clear that even more support and resources are needed to promote their well-being,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, President and Board Chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement. “We are thankful for the Thiru Family Trust and their generous donation that allows us to enhance the Foundation’s mental health efforts and work closely with schools to create positive change.” 

One school or district will be selected to earn a grant package valued at $75,000 comprised of three components: 

• $25,000 that the grantee determines how best to use for mental health activities that address school mental health needs 
• Expert guidance provided by Teen Lifeline on policies, practices, and guidance to bolster well-being and resilience (valued at $35,000)  
• Trainings and skill-building sessions (e.g., mindfulness, well-being promotion, etc.) provided by M2 Well-Being to build teacher and staff capacity that strengthens their mental health (valued at $15,000) 

“In my own personal journey, I have had experiences that have impacted my mental and physical health, and that’s why this donation to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is so meaningful,” said Thiru Thangarathinam, CEO – Salesforce Business Unit at Mastek. “Giving has become a key part of our family values, and we are honored to provide resources to impact and improve the mental health in our communities.” 

The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant adds another dimension to the Foundation’s flagship focus on addressing mental health in Arizona. Each year, the grant will identify a specific area of mental health-related need. 

Schools and districts can apply for the 2023 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant. The Foundation will also accept submissions from an individual applying on behalf of a specific school or district that would benefit from the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant.  

For more information and to apply for the Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker grant, visit: azbluefoundation.org/grants/momentum-maker-grant 

ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH ADVANCEMENT  

The Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement invests in the health of Arizona by tackling mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. A 501(c)(3) private, non-operating foundation, the Foundation works in service of the public good through grant funding for programs and applied research that align with its focus areas. The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  For more information, visit: azbluefoundation.org.