Humana Announces 2009 Chicago Benefits Grant

CHICAGO, April 16, 2009 — Many of the nation’s nonprofit organizations, including those that provide health care, education and arts programming, depend on corporate support to meet the needs of their clients. According to a recent survey by the Conference Board, however, more than 60 percent of companies have either reduced their giving or plan to during 2009.

Health-benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is helping to tilt the scale in the other direction, by offering Chicago-area charities in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake and McHenry counties the chance to apply for a one-time, $100,000 grant in the seventh annual Chicago Benefits charitable grant program, at www.ChicagoBenefits.org.

The program – designed to give local not-for-profit charitable organizations the opportunity to receive a one-time infusion of funding to create new programs or enhance ongoing activities – is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Chicago metropolitan area that address the mind, body or spirit of local residents.

“Since 2003, the Chicago Benefits charitable awards program has allowed Humana to show its dedication to the Chicagoland nonprofit organizations that provide vital support to our communities,” said Mike Kasper, president of Humana’s Illinois market and Chicago Benefits co-chair. “In a time when many of these organizations face economic hardship, Humana understands that our continued support and commitment to the Chicago Benefits program is of the utmost importance to continue the great nonprofit work that benefits us all.”

All Chicagoland-based nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to visit www.ChicagoBenefits.org to download a copy of this year’s application and review program criteria. To be considered, organizations must submit an application by June 5, 2009.

A panel of local judges, comprised of community leaders, public officials and business representatives, will work with Humana to select the $100,000 grant winner. Humana will recognize the winner at a celebratory award presentation in August.