Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation – Community Health Matching Grants (2027)

Up to $50,000 in Matching Grants for Community Health Programs Across Michigan

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation’s Community Health Matching Grant Program supports Michigan nonprofit organizations developing community-inspired health initiatives or implementing evidence-based programs that address locally identified health needs.

The program emphasizes partnerships between healthcare professionals, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve health outcomes, address nonmedical drivers of health, and evaluate measurable community impact.

Grants provide up to $25,000 annually for two years, or $50,000 total. The next spring funding cycle requires concept papers by February 3, 2027.

Organization: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation
Support Type: Corporate foundation matching grants
Geographic Focus: Michigan — statewide
Concept Paper Deadline: February 3, 2027

About the Funder

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is the charitable foundation associated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. It invests in initiatives that improve healthcare quality, access, affordability, and health outcomes for Michigan residents.

Through its Community Health Matching Grant Program, the Foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations and healthcare professionals to develop and evaluate programs responding to community-identified health challenges.

The Foundation emphasizes measurable results, community involvement, and the potential for successful approaches to be sustained or replicated.

What This Program Supports

The Community Health Matching Grant Program supports community-driven or evidence-based approaches to improving population health.

Healthcare Access and Navigation

Programs that reduce barriers to medical care, improve health literacy, connect residents with healthcare resources, and strengthen access to preventive services.

Mental and Behavioral Health

Community-based initiatives addressing mental health, trauma, substance use disorders, and access to behavioral health services.

Food Security and Nutrition

Programs that improve access to nutritious food, expand nutrition education, and address food insecurity as a contributor to poor health outcomes.

Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

Initiatives that improve health outcomes for individuals living with chronic conditions through education, prevention, care coordination, and community support.

Maternal, Child, and Family Health

Programs addressing maternal health, early childhood development, family well-being, and health disparities affecting children and families.

Nonmedical Drivers of Health

Initiatives addressing social and economic factors that influence health, including transportation barriers, economic instability, social isolation, and limited access to community resources.

Community Health Innovation

Locally developed programs or evidence-based interventions designed to address documented health needs, with measurable outcomes and potential for long-term sustainability.

Eligible Support Types

• Community health program development and implementation
• Evidence-based health interventions
• Community-led health improvement initiatives
• Healthcare access and navigation programs
• Programs addressing nonmedical drivers of health
• Evaluation of community health outcomes
• Collaborative initiatives involving nonprofit organizations and healthcare professionals

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be nonprofit community organizations based in Michigan.

The program is available statewide, including:

• Southeast Michigan, including Detroit and surrounding communities
• West Michigan, including Grand Rapids and Muskegon
• Mid-Michigan, including Lansing and surrounding counties
• Northern Lower Michigan
• Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Rural and underserved communities throughout the state

The Foundation has previously funded organizations in urban, suburban, and rural Michigan communities.

Eligibility & Matching Requirements

Applicants must be Michigan-based nonprofit community organizations.

Matching funds are required, with the percentage determined by organizational budget and the proportion of patients served who are Medicaid beneficiaries or uninsured.

The applicant organization cannot provide its own matching funds.

Applicants serving exactly 30% Medicaid or uninsured patients, or with an annual budget of exactly $10 million, should confirm the applicable matching category with the Foundation.

Employees of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or its affiliates, and their immediate family members, are ineligible.

Ineligible Expenses

The Foundation does not support certain expenses, including:

• Computer hardware and software
• One-time-use medical and office supplies
• Furnishings
• Capital expenses such as rent, telephone costs, and building insurance
• Tuition and continuing education units
• Most indirect costs

Limited fringe benefits may be allowable, subject to Foundation restrictions.

Conference travel is limited to $1,000.

Applicants should carefully review the current budget guidelines before preparing a proposal.

Funding Amounts

Maximum Award: $25,000 per year for two years

Maximum Total Funding: $50,000

Typical Award: $15,000 per year for two years, or $30,000 total

Funding is intended to support community health programs with measurable outcomes over the two-year grant period.

Matching funds are required according to organizational size and patient population.

Timeline & Review

📅 Concept Paper Deadline: February 3, 2027

📅 Full Application Deadline: April 14, 2027

📅 Board Review: July 21, 2027

All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m.

The Foundation reviews applications through a multistage process. Organizations must first submit a concept paper and receive approval to proceed to the full proposal stage.

Following the board review meeting, applicants can expect funding decisions by email within 10 business days.

Application / Request Process

The Foundation uses a two-stage application process.

Step 1: Submit a Concept Paper

Applicants must request access to the concept paper application through the Foundation’s online form.

The concept paper should introduce the proposed community health initiative, the population served, and the health need being addressed.

Step 2: Submit a Full Proposal if Invited

Organizations approved to advance must submit a comprehensive proposal addressing:

• Project purpose and community health need
• Proposed activities and implementation approach
• Health outcomes and nonmedical drivers of health
• Evaluation methods and measurable results
• Potential implementation challenges
• Implications for healthcare cost, quality, or access
• Sustainability and potential replication
• Project budget and matching funds

Required supporting documents include organizational financial information, a 501(c)(3) determination letter, project timelines, key personnel qualifications, and letters from co-funders.

Apply / Learn More: https://www.bcbsm.com/foundation/grants/community-health/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

The Community Health Matching Grant Program is particularly well suited for Michigan nonprofits developing measurable programs that address locally identified health needs.

Organizations working in healthcare access, behavioral health, food security, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and services for underserved populations may find strong alignment.

The two-year funding structure offers an opportunity to implement and evaluate programs over time rather than relying on a single short-term grant.

However, applicants must be prepared to secure matching support from outside their own organization and demonstrate clear, measurable health outcomes.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Competitive, two-stage application process
Concept Paper Deadline: February 3, 2027
Full Application Deadline: April 14, 2027, for approved applicants
Board Review: July 21, 2027
Maximum Funding: $50,000 over two years
Typical Funding: $30,000 over two years
Matching Requirement: 10%–60%, depending on organizational characteristics
Best Suited For: Michigan nonprofits implementing community health programs with measurable outcomes and outside matching support
Geographic Focus: Michigan — statewide