Blue Cross foundation awards grants

Globe Staff

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation said it has awarded $2.22 million to 56 community health organizations around the state.

Grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 aim to assist residents in obtaining health care by helping them sign up for health insurance and find providers; advocate for better health care coverage; or improve the care for those who remain uninsured, the foundation said in a press release.

The Boston-based organization was founded in 2001 with an initial endowment of $55 million from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Its mission is to expand access to health care. The foundation operates separately from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the state's largest health insurer.