Request for Proposal
Overview
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation is offering a funding opportunity that aims to improve the health literacy of Michigan residents through innovative programs and research.
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand and use information and services to inform health-related decisions. It also includes the degree to which healthcare organizations equitably enable individuals to do so. Strengthening health literacy can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and support better access to care.
We're seeking applications for programs and research proposals that achieve one or more of the following:
- Develop health and safety information that is accurate, accessible and actionable
- Improve health insurance literacy, including Medicare and Medicaid
- Promote changes in the healthcare system that improve health information, communication, informed decision-making and access to health services
- Increase workforce capacity by training clinical and non-clinical staff on best practices in health literacy and patient communication
- Incorporate accurate, standards-based and developmentally-appropriate health and science information and curricula in child care and education through the university level
- Increase the self-efficacy of individuals in accessing valid and reliable health information, products and services
- Support and expand efforts to provide adult education, English language instruction and translation services
- Integrate opportunities to promote digital health literacy
- Increase research and the development, implementation and evaluation of practices and interventions to improve health literacy
- Increase the dissemination and use of evidence-based health literacy practices and interventions
This award offers up to $75,000 for 24 months.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from Michigan-based institutions of higher education, hospital systems, nonprofit organizations and clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that have the capacity to address the identified focus areas.
The BCBSM Foundation does not provide support to for-profit organizations, organizations not located in Michigan, not serving Michigan residents or organizations whose key staff includes employees of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or their immediate family members.
The BCBSM Foundation does not fund:
- Direct cash payments
- Capital expenses, including building costs, renovations, vehicles, land, etc.
- General operating expenses, including rent, office equipment, utilities, building repairs, etc.
- Ongoing food costs, unless directly related to the aim of the proposed project
- One-time event or fundraising solicitations
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, please submit a concept paper form.
Please take time to review our updated information in the what we fund and frequently asked questions sections of our website.
Timeline
The following dates apply to the application and review process:
- Concept paper submission: May 1 to June 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
- Invitation to submit full proposals: July 10, 2026
- Proposal deadline: Aug. 14, 2026
- Awards announced: Nov. 18, 2026
Proposal requirements
The application process is comprehensive, so it helps to understand what's involved at the outset of applying. If your concept paper is approved and you move on to the proposal process, your proposal package narrative should range between 2,000 and 4,500 words and include the following sections:
- Purpose and description of project
- How this project will address health literacy
- How this project addresses health outcomes and non-medical drivers of health
- Program activities description
- Evaluation and methodology
- Please include the validated health literacy measurement tool you plan to use and how it will be applied as part of your project’s evaluation plan.
- Expected impact and outcomes, including measurable results and how the target population will benefit from the project in improving health literacy
- Sustainability plan
Other materials you'll be expected to deliver or review, sign and submit:
- Project timeline
- Budget and budget justification
- 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 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 and building insurance.
- Conference travel is limited to $1,000.
- If applicable, figures and tables
- Resume of the project director(s) and other key personnel
- 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
- If applicable, letters of support from community partners and other supporting agencies
Evaluation support
Please note that all awarded proposals will be required to use a validated health literacy measurement tool as part of their project's evaluation plan.
- Personal Health Literacy Measurement Tools | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- The Newest Vital Sign | Pfizer
- Identifying Limited Health Literacy | Center for Health Care Strategies
- BRIEF: Health Literacy Screening Tool | Alabama Department of Public Health (PDF)
- Rapid Estimate of Adolescent Literacy in Medicine (REALM) Teen | Nurse-Family Partnership (PDF)
- Health Literacy Skills Instrument | RTI International (PDF)
- eHEALS: The eHealth Literacy Scale | PMC
- For Providers: CAHPS Health Literacy Item Sets | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- CDC Clear Communication Index Score Sheet | CDC (PDF)
- 10 Attributes of a Health Literate Organization | Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition (PDF)
- The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and User's Guide | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Health Literacy Resources: Assessment | Guides at University of Maryland Health Sciences & Human Services Library
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