Uplifting Our Communities

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is dedicated to championing the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. In 2024, we uplifted Nebraskans in new ways while continuing time-honored traditions. From rallying our workforce to bolstering the life-changing work of nonprofits in our communities, we are honored to give back to the state our company has called home for more than 85 years.

We invite you to learn more about how we uplifted our communities in 2024:

Building on Our Legacy

Nebraska Blue Foundation

In 2024, BCBSNE launched the Nebraska Blue Foundation, building on the company’s legacy of investing in Nebraskans. In its first year, the foundation gifted $75,000 to the Community Wellness Collaborative and $200,000 for the completion of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Building on the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s campus. The foundation also supported five nonprofit organizations and created inaugural grants to address community needs. As the Nebraska Blue Foundation moves past its first year, we look forward to driving impact and change that promotes the health and well-being of every Nebraskan.

Engaging our Employees

United Way of the Midlands

For more than 30 years, BCBSNE has raised funds for the United Way of the Midlands (UWM), a nonprofit dedicated to the educational, financial and health needs of the community. In 2024, employees supported the campaign by volunteering, pledging funds and participating in fundraising events. Team Blue raised over $363,600 through the campaign.

BCBSNE also partnered with UWM to offer an in-person volunteer opportunity for employees during the campaign. Throughout the day on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 134 employees packaged 1,500 hygiene kits for various organizations that UWM supports, including BCBSNE’s adopt-a-school partner, Conestoga Elementary School.

Additionally, UWM recognized BCBSNE with a Volunteer Organization of the Year Award in 2024. This award honors companies that consistently strive to improve the community through volunteerism.

National Volunteer Month

In April, 96 BCBSNE employees volunteered with 10 organizations, giving a total of 220 hours of support to the community during National Volunteer Month.

Food Bank for the Heartland

BCBSNE employees supported the nonprofit’s Strike Out Hunger Campaign. This friendly competition among Nebraska businesses helps put food on the tables of those in need across the 93 counties the food bank serves. Participating companies are split into divisions depending on their size.

BCBSNE participated in the wildcard division for companies with over 1,000 employees and took first place for the most meals donated per employee in this division, contributing 17,029 meals to individuals and families in the Heartland.

Support for Students and Teachers

Healthy Home Team

BCBSNE launched Healthy Home Team in 2024. This initiative provides grants to Nebraska high schools to support well-being in their communities. In 2024, 100 schools received a $500 grant. North Platte High School received an additional $5,000 grant to support their student food pantry.

Touchdown for Teachers

BCBSNE partnered with Husker Athletics for Touchdown for Teachers to honor and celebrate Nebraska educators. Out of 850 nominations, five teachers were selected for recognition: Julie Eastridge, Becky Lindgren, Monica Maly, Tami Phillips and Brianna Richards.

Conestoga School Supply Drive

Each year, BCBSNE partners with Conestoga Elementary School for a school supply drive. In 2024, BCBSNE provided supplies to support all 370 students and 20 teachers at Conestoga. Donations also allowed for additional supplies, such as tissues, snacks and hand sanitizer, to be provided.

Boys and Girls Club Donation

BCBSNE made a $10,000 donation across two of Nebraska’s Boys and Girls Club locations. With this investment, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Lincoln/Lancaster County expanded mental health programming and created safe spaces for students to prioritize their mental well-being.

Computer Donation

In collaboration with Nebraska Cybersecurity Network for Education, BCBSNE donated 450 pieces of computer equipment to 196 Nebraska high schools. This donation is an opportunity to empower Nebraska students with the skills they need to thrive in the growing field of cybersecurity.

Project Fit America

In 2024, two Nebraska elementary schools, Bryan and Beatrice, received new fitness equipment and curriculum through Project Fit America grants provided by BCBSNE.

Hosting Community Events and Providing Sponsorships

Flu Shot Clinics

BCBSNE hosted 20 flu vaccination clinics in October in collaboration with YMCAs across the state. Clinics were open to everyone age six and up at no cost to them, and more than 400 shots were provided through these events.

National Walk at Lunch Day

On April 24, Nebraskans across the state strode toward better health and a stronger community during National Walk at Lunch Day. Participants helped raise $5,000 for Special Olympics Nebraska through this annual event, and Brady Public Schools received $1,000 physical education grant for participating.

Combined Health Agencies Drive

In 2024, BCBSNE continued its sponsorship of 12 statewide health agencies under the Combined Health Agencies Drive’s (CHAD) umbrella. CHAD is a local organization that has been raising funds with and for Nebraska’s premier statewide health charities since 1972. BCBSNE’s sponsorship directly benefits the missions of these health charities, as well as enhances CHAD’s existing inter-agency collaboration, community awareness, education and fundraising efforts.

Active Events

BCBSNE has a long-standing tradition of supporting events that encourage movement. In 2024, we hit our stride by supporting a variety of events in the community, including Born & Raced in Nebraska’s 10K series, Bike with Mike and Heat the Streets, to name a few.

Heart Ministry Center

In 2024, BCBSNE contributed $10,000 to Heart Ministry Center, which provides food, health care and a way forward for people impacted by poverty.

Investing in the Future Workforce

Ignite Nebraska

In 2022, BCBSNE helped launch Ignite Nebraska, an apprenticeship program fueling the way toward a more equitable future. Through this workforce development model, Ignite Nebraska’s partners, like BCBSNE, work together to help apprentices succeed. In 2024, Ignite reached a key milestone: Generating $1 million in income earned by Ignite alumni.

Avenue Scholars

Since 2012, BCBSNE has been a proud employer partner of the Avenue Scholars program, which helps Omaha area students ages 18 to 25 prepare for and enter financially sustaining, high-demand careers. BCBSNE has hosted 125 Avenue Scholars during their internships.