Many of the nation’s nonprofit organizations, including those that provide health care, education and arts programming, depend on corporate support to meet the needs of their clients. According to a recent survey by the Conference Board, however, more than 60 percent of companies have either reduced their giving or plan to during 2009.
Health-benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is helping to tilt the scale in the other direction, by offering Chicago-area charities in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake and McHenry counties the chance to apply for a one-time, $100,000 grant in the seventh annual Chicago Benefits charitable grant program, at www.ChicagoBenefits.org.
The program – designed to give local not-for-profit charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities – is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address the mind, body or spirit of local residents.
“Since 2003, the Chicago Benefits charitable awards program has allowed Humana to show its dedication to the Chicagoland nonprofit organizations that provide vital support to our communities,” said Mike Kasper, president of Humana’s Illinois market and Chicago Benefits co-chair. “In a time when many of these organizations face economic hardship, Humana understands that our continued support and commitment to the Chicago Benefits program is of the utmost importance to continue the great nonprofit work that benefits us all.”
All Chicagoland-based nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download a copy of this year’s application and review program criteria. To be considered, organizations must submit an application by June 5, 2009.
A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant winner. Humana will recognize the winner at a celebratory award presentation in August.
In 2008, the Chicago Benefits charitable awards program awarded grants to three area charities. Misericordia, a community of care in Chicago for more than 550 children and adults with developmental disabilities, won the signature $100,000 award, enabling the organization to provide members with developmental learning opportunities through the addition of a Technology Enabled Learning Center. Finalists Lifelink and Pro Se Services were also honored.
“Misericordia is so thankful for Humana’s Chicago Benefits grant of $100,000, which has helped us to make the addition of a Technology Enabled Learning Center a reality,” said Sister Rosemary Connelly, executive director of Misericordia since 1969. “The center has allowed us to expand how we help our residents achieve success, especially in a time when technological knowledge has become a requirement in our society.”
“Through Chicago Benefits, more than $700,000 in grants has been awarded to the local not-for-profit organizations that help promote healthy lives and communities in the Chicago metropolitan area since 2003,” said Deborah Gracey, president of Medicare operations in Humana’s Great Lakes Region and co-chair of Chicago Benefits. “This is my second year serving as co-chair and I’m certain that the 2009 program will again make a significant impact, helping those who work tirelessly to make a difference for people in need.”
Questions regarding Chicago Benefits may be directed to Humana at 312-441-5580 or ChicagoBenefits@humana.com. More information on the application and the grant program is available at www.ChicagoBenefits.org.
About Humana Inc.
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 10.6 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals.
Over its 48-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at http://www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Most recent investor conference presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases
- Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
- Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)
- Corporate Governance Information
Contacts:
Lindsey Kathryn Minella,
312-441-5549
lminella@humana.com
www.ChicagoBenefits.org
