Community Health Matching Grant Program
Overview
Through this program, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation partners with health professionals and community leaders at nonprofit organizations. We want to develop population-led, community-inspired programs or implement evidence-based programs to address community-identified needs, and evaluate measurable programmatic and health outcomes.
This award offers up to $25,000 per year for two years.
Eligibility
Applicants must be nonprofit community organizations based in Michigan.
Matching funds are required based on the size of the organization’s budget as well as the percent of Medicaid and uninsured patients served. Please note the applicant organization cannot serve as its own match.
For nonprofits with a budget of less than $10 million:
- If less than 30 percent of your organization's patient population is on Medicaid or uninsured, we require a 25 percent match.
- If more than 30 percent of your organization's patient population is on Medicaid or uninsured, we require a 10 percent match.
For nonprofits with a budget of more than $10 million:
- If less than 30 percent of your organization's patient population is on Medicaid or uninsured, we require a 60 percent match.
- If more than 30 percent of your organization's patient population is on Medicaid or uninsured, we require a 25 percent match.
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 are now accepting concept papers for our 2026 grant programs.
Our new process will facilitate enhanced efficiency for both the applicants and BCBSM Foundation program officers. To request a concept paper application, the prospective grantee must email foundation@bcbsm.com with the subject line "Concept Paper Request."
Please take time to review our updated information in the what we fund and frequently asked questions sections of our website.
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
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Winter Schedule
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Oct. 29, 2025 | Jan. 7, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
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Spring Schedule
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Feb. 4, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | July 22, 2026 |
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Summer Schedule
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May 27, 2026 | Aug. 5, 2026 | 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.
Proposal packages must include a narrative of the following:
- Purpose of project
- Description of the need
- How this work addresses the need
- How this work addresses health outcomes and non-medical drivers of health
- Program activities description
- Evaluation and methodology
- Description of potential problems or obstacles in project and plan to overcome
- Expected impact or outcomes; include measurable outcomes and what impacts and outcomes you expect the target population to experience as a result of the project
- Implications to cost, quality, and/or access to healthcare
- Sustainability plan
- Potential for replication
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 from Co-funder(s)
- Project Timeline
- If applicable, figures and tables
- Resume of the Project Director(s) and other key personnel/staff
- Copy of the organization’s mission, history, and services
- Copy of most recent Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax determination letter
- Copy of organization’s most recent tax return or audited financial statement
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