Two Tampa Bay nonprofits to receive mental health funding grants

Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of the state's Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, is providing $2.4 million in grant funding to seven nonprofits across the state for mental well-being services and support. Two of the organizations are located in Tampa and St. Pete, respectively. 

Gentlemen’s Quest of Tampa, a nonprofit geared toward the academic success of low income students, will be using its portion of the funds to hire a full-time success coach and expand the Life Class program and counseling services to its 77 enrolled students, according to a statement. 

The Florida State Alliance of YMCAs Foundation in St. Petersburg will use its funds to focus on mental health among Spanish-speaking children through a curriculum titled "The Heroic Journey." The nonprofit, in partnership with Pop Culture Hero Coalition, will translate and implement the program for 1,600 children in 20 YMCAs across Florida and Puerto Rico.