Saskatchewan Blue Cross Marks 80 Years with $80,000 Community Grant Program

SASKATOON, SK – January 19, 2026 – In a significant gesture to commemorate eight decades of service, Saskatchewan Blue Cross today announced the launch of its “80 Years, 80 Grants” initiative. The one-time program will inject $80,000 into the province's non-profit sector, distributing the funds through 80 individual grants of $1,000 each to organizations dedicated to building healthier communities.

This anniversary celebration reflects the not-for-profit insurer's long-standing mission, aiming to support and uplift the very communities it has served since 1946. The initiative provides a direct channel of support to grassroots organizations, with applications open from today until April 30, 2026.

“Turning 80 is a major milestone for us and we wanted to celebrate in a way that reflects who we are,” said Kelly Wilson, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, in a press release. “Since 1946, our mission has been grounded in supporting the well-being of Saskatchewan people. This initiative is our way of saying thank you to the organizations that lift our communities every day.”

A Crucial Lifeline in a Challenging Landscape

The timing of the “80 Years, 80 Grants” program is particularly poignant for Saskatchewan's non-profit sector. Many community organizations, especially smaller, volunteer-driven groups, continue to navigate a challenging funding environment marked by increased competition for major grants, rising operational costs, and the lingering financial instability from recent economic pressures. In this context, a $1,000 grant can be far more than a symbolic gesture; it can be a critical lifeline.

For many local groups, this level of funding can represent a significant portion of a project's budget. It could enable a community garden to purchase soil and tools for the season, allow a local food bank to stock its shelves with fresh produce, or cover the cost of jerseys for a youth sports team. These are the types of tangible needs that larger, more restrictive grants often overlook. The program’s structure acknowledges that impactful community work doesn't always require a six-figure budget, and that small investments can yield substantial returns in community well-being.

A Legacy of Corporate Citizenship

This initiative is deeply rooted in Saskatchewan Blue Cross's identity as a not-for-profit organization with a history of community investment. Rather than being just an insurer, the organization has consistently positioned itself as a partner in the province's overall health. The “80 Years, 80 Grants” program serves as a powerful extension of this corporate philosophy.

Unlike some corporate philanthropy that focuses on a few large-scale partnerships, this model prioritizes breadth and accessibility. By distributing 80 smaller grants, the program is designed to reach a diverse array of organizations across Saskatchewan, from urban centers to rural towns. This approach democratizes access to corporate funding, empowering groups that may lack the resources to compete for more complex grants. The focus on three key pillars—Health Literacy, community wellness, and inclusion—ensures the funding is directed toward initiatives that align with the organization's core mission of fostering whole health for every person in Saskatchewan.

How to Apply: Empowering Community Champions

One of the most distinctive features of the “80 Years, 80 Grants” program is its open and accessible application process. Recognizing that great community ideas come from all corners, Saskatchewan Blue Cross is inviting not only organizations but also community members, volunteers, and donors to submit applications on behalf of a project or group they believe in.

Applications for projects occurring in 2026 can be submitted through an online form on the company's website. To be eligible, the organization or project must be based in Saskatchewan and align with one or more of the community investment pillars:

• Health Literacy: Initiatives that help people understand and navigate health information and services.
• Community Wellness: Programs that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Inclusion: Projects that create welcoming and accessible spaces for diverse populations.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the clarity of the described need, the project's alignment with the wellness pillars, and the potential impact the $1,000 grant would have on the organization and the people it serves. Grant recipients may be notified throughout the intake period, with funds being distributed during 2026 as part of the ongoing 80th-anniversary celebrations.

This broad approach empowers local champions to advocate for the causes they are passionate about, potentially shining a light on under-the-radar projects doing vital work. As the company looks to its next chapter, this initiative reinforces its commitment to being an active and engaged partner in the health of the province.

“We believe every person in Saskatchewan deserves opportunities to thrive,” Wilson stated. “These grants help shine a light on the creativity, care and compassion that exist across our province. We can't wait to see the stories that come forward.”

More information, including the full eligibility criteria and the application portal, is available on the Saskatchewan Blue Cross website at sk.bluecross.ca/80-years-80-grants.