An opportunity for Maricopa County charities to secure significant funding to improve the health and wellness of community residents has just opened up thanks to Humana. Non-profit organizations are now invited to apply for the $100,000 Humana Communities Benefit-Arizona charitable grant, sponsored by health benefits provider Humana Inc.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Humana Communities Benefit program will award a one-time, $100,000 grant to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Maricopa County focused on improving health experiences or building healthy communities. Applications from nonprofit organizations in Maricopa County are being accepted now through June 29. Organizations will be considered in the operational areas of childhood health and education, health literacy and services or intergenerational health. Following a selection process by a panel of local judges, the 2012 grant winner will be announced at a celebratory event on Oct. 25.

“The Humana Communities Benefit-Arizona grant has helped several deserving organizations positively impact community health in ways they may not otherwise have been able to accomplish, and we are delighted to continue this program in 2012,” said Michael Franks, Regional President of Senior Products for Humana’s West Region and co-chairperson of the awards program.  “We encourage all eligible non-profit organizations to apply.”

The Humana Communities Benefit program in Arizona awarded the 2011 grant to Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), which provides independent living services to people with disabilities throughout Maricopa County. The organization used the funds to purchase adaptive exercise and fitness equipment – specifically designed for the physically disabled – for its Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center for Persons with Disabilities. The facility, one of only two nationwide to provide this type of service, had its grand opening in February 2012.

“Since 2007, we have contributed more than $700,000 to Phoenix-area community health initiatives led by some of the area’s most innovative nonprofits,” said Curt Howell, president of commercial operations for Humana in Arizona and co-chairperson of this year’s charitable-awards program. “Humana believes strongly in supporting the local communities in which we operate by helping deserving nonprofits in Arizona, and we look forward to continuing the tradition this year.”

More information on the application and the grant are available at www.Humana.com/HCB. Questions can also be directed to Humana by e-mail to ArizonaBenefits@Humana.com.