Physician Investigator Research Award Program

Overview

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is interested in innovative and evidence-based research grants that address urgent health issues, health inequities, social determinants of health and health care access, quality and cost.

This grant program provides seed money to Michigan physicians who want to explore the merits of a particular, evidence-based research idea through pilot studies, feasibility studies or small research projects.

This award offers up to $10,000 in funding.

Eligibility

We accept applications from physicians based in Michigan. Their organizations must be non-profit.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employees and their immediate family members are ineligible. Employees of any BCBSM affiliate and their immediate family members also are ineligible.

Grant application process

Thank you for your interest in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation’s grantmaking opportunities. We have concluded receiving concept papers for 2025 and are currently updating the submission process for our 2026 grant program schedule. We will begin accepting new concept papers on Aug. 15, 2025, and encourage you to return to our site and submit a concept paper.

Grant application timelines

All deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. Applications are reviewed up to the date indicated, which is when the board meets for discussion. After the application is reviewed at our board meeting, applicants will receive an email with the funding decision within 10 business days.

Winter Schedule

Concept Paper Due

Oct. 29, 2025

Applications Accepted Until

Jan. 7, 2026

Applications Reviewed

April 15, 2026

Spring Schedule

Concept Paper Due

Feb. 4, 2026

Applications Accepted Until

April 15, 2026

Applications Reviewed

July 22, 2026

Summer Schedule

Concept Paper Due

May 27, 2026

Applications Accepted Until

Aug. 5, 2026

Applications Reviewed

Nov. 18, 2026

Proposal requirements

The application process is comprehensive, so it helps to understand what's involved at the outset of applying. Here is what you will be expected to deliver if your concept paper is approved and you move onto the proposal process.

Your proposal package narrative should range between 2,000-4,500 words and include the following sections: 

  • Background
  • Hypothesis(es)
  • Significance of research
  • Innovation of research
  • Research design and methods 
  • Expected outcomes
  • Addressing health equity and social determinants of health
  • Addressing how the work is valuable to the population, increases the quality of care and improves the access to health care
  • Conclusion

Please use AMA 10th Edition or APA 7th edition citation style. Citations do not count towards the recommended word count.

Other materials you'll be expected to deliver or review, sign and submit:

  • Planned Participant Enrollment Table
  • Detailed budget and budget justification documents, including:
    • Funds requested, anticipated or provided by other sources for the same or similar project must be described in detail on an attached sheet and referenced in a cover letter.
    • The Foundation does not pay for indirect costs except for limited fringe benefits, including health, personal and/or medical benefits. The allowable fringe benefit expense may not exceed the lesser of 25 percent of the salary subtotal figure or the actual cost of the fringe benefits.
    • The Foundation does not pay for tuition expenses or continuing education units for the PI, project staff, or students.
    • The following are not supported by this funding program: computer equipment, including hardware and software; one-time use consumables, such as medical and office supplies; furnishings; and capital expenses, such as phone, rent, building insurance.
    • Conference travel is limited to $1,000.
  • Letters of support from collaborators
  • Project Timeline
  • Resume/CV of the Project Director(s) and other key personnel/staff
  • Copy of most recent Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax determination letter
  • If applicable, Letters from Co-funder(s)
  • If applicable, figures and tables

Past grant recipients

Questions?

Please check the FAQs in our help section. If you don't see what you're looking for, email us at foundation@bcbsm.com and a member of our team will respond.

Mailing Address
BCBSM Foundation | Mail Code X101 | 600 E. Lafayette Blvd. | Detroit, MI | 48226-2998