Baltimore Ravens and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Accepting Applications For 2026 Huddle Up for Health Grant
Program to grant $50,000 to mental health-focused nonprofit with an increased focus on volunteerism and impact to the greater Baltimore community
BALTIMORE–Focused on providing awareness and support to the community by addressing health disparities, the “Huddle Up for Health” program initiative stems from the over two decade-long partnership between the Baltimore Ravens (Ravens) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst). The program continues the ongoing community wellness and health equity initiatives established by the two organizations, while broadening focus to include other health challenges individuals face throughout Maryland.
In 2026 CareFirst and the Ravens will select a nonprofit organization that not only functions in the behavioral health space, but also has a focus on addressing social, economic and environmental factors that influence the health of the broader community.
“The Baltimore Ravens remain deeply committed to supporting behavioral health at the community level. By confronting mental health challenges directly, the Ravens and CareFirst are helping to build a healthier, more compassionate future. With more than one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, this work continues to be critically important,” said Kelly Tallant, director of community relations at the Ravens. “We are proud to partner with CareFirst to expand our support for organizations that are leading this vital effort.”
In the grant’s first three years of funding, the Ravens and CareFirst have supported Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing (2023), Roberta’s House (2024) and Young Successful Leaders Incorporated (2025), providing pivotal funding to enhance youth recovery and grief support for trauma-impacted families.
Now in its fourth year, the Huddle Up for Health program will award a grant to a chosen Maryland nonprofit organization to build new programming or enhance current initiatives centered around mental health support and awareness. Eligible nonprofits can apply to receive up to $50,000 in grant funding.
“Mental health is essential to overall well-being, and advancing it requires a collective, community-driven approach,” said Mack McGee, Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst. “Our longstanding partnership with the Ravens reflects what’s possible when two organizations align around a shared commitment to raising awareness, supporting the organizations making a difference and expanding access to the mental health resources our communities need and deserve. Together, we’re not only addressing challenges, but we’re helping build healthier, more resilient communities.”
The Ravens and CareFirst will jointly recognize the Huddle Up for Health 2026 grant recipient organization by helping bring their mental health programming to life and highlighting their efforts at a 2026 Baltimore Ravens home game. Applicants can apply for the grant program here through Monday, June 8, 2026.
To stay up to date on Huddle Up for Health and learn more about the Ravens’ community initiatives and involvement, visit www.baltimoreravens.com/community. For more information on how CareFirst is transforming healthcare, visit www.carefirst.com/transformation.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Nearing its 90th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and beyond. In 2025, CareFirst infused over $356 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.