Request for Proposal Program (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation)

Request for Proposal Program (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation) is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. The Foundation identifies critical health topics to be addressed by potential grantees. Depending on the topic, proposals are solicited from healthcare researchers or community nonprofit organizations.

Foundation Grants: Request for Proposal | BCBSM 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.

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: 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 .

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 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 Other materials you'll be expected to deliver or review, sign and submit: 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 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 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 Organizational health literacy measurement tools 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 Dairy Council of Michigan Inc. Provides technical assistance to funded food pantry grant recipients that will be delivered by experts at the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.

Ingham County; Mid-Michigan Learn more at: mibluedaily. com/stories/food-pantry-grants/food-pantry-grant-program-cultivates-healthier-michigan-communities-by-investing-usd273-000 Support for training to build hospice and palliative care capacity among regional providers and community members.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Great Lakes Recovery Center Foundation Support to build an older adult/veteran-centered network to lessen isolation, expand peer-led outreach and caregiver education, and boost access to behavioral health services for improved mental-health outcomes.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Greater Ishpeming Commission on Aging Support for a community health worker that will provide health education, navigation and social support for seniors in Ishpeming and surrounding townships.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) Expands the Forever Friendly Visiting Volunteer Program into Baraga County to reduce isolation among older adults through personalized in-home visits.

Baraga County; Upper Peninsula Munising Memorial Hospital Association Support for a community paramedic to deliver post-discharge home visits, chronic disease education and non-medical drivers of health screening for older adults in Alger County.

Alger County; Upper Peninsula National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Support to implement a quality improvement project to raise chronic kidney disease screening rates among older adults with diabetes or hypertension at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.

Baraga County; Upper Peninsula New Day Foundation for Families Support to expand New Day's Upper Peninsula program to serve more senior cancer patients by providing resource navigation and other essential basic needs and support. Marquette, UP Wide Counties; Upper Peninsula Provides health-related supplies, medication copay support and transportation services for unhoused older adults.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Soo Theatre Project, Inc. Support for inclusive, accessible arts experiences to reduce social isolation, improve health and enhance quality of life for older adults.

Chippewa County; Upper Peninsula The Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) Support to train and certify family and professional caregivers while providing a multi-party communication tool that strengthens caregiver-patient-provider relationships. Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Support to pilot a volunteer caregiver program to match trained volunteers with hospice patients and their families.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center Support for a geriatric care manager who will coordinate care for high-risk older adults across skilled nursing facilities to reduce hospital transfers and improve caregiver support.

Houghton County; Upper Peninsula Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions, Inc. Expands a behavioral health hub and launches an ECHO-based education program to give primary care clinicians heightened geriatric psychiatry expertise.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Upper Peninsula Hospice Foundation Support to pilot an in-home palliative care program for seriously ill, non-hospice individuals with the goal of reducing hospitalizations and supporting caregivers.

Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Learn more at: New Grant Program Awards $632,590 in Grants to Enhance Health Care for Upper Peninsula Seniors *Includes funding partners Grand Rapids African American Health Institute This project will i*mprove access, community, and equity to prenatal care for both baby and birthing individuals. Kent County; West Michigan Learn more at: miblueperspectives.

com/GRAHHILAHC Leaders Advancing Helping Communities The project will provide expectant immigrant families with vital pre/postpartum resources. Wayne County; Southeast Michigan This project focuses on diversifying the maternal health workforce and decreasing maternal deaths. Macomb, Oakland, Wayne Counties; Southeast Detroit Project focuses on increasing access and improving health outcomes for birthing people with opioid use disorders.

Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe Counties; Southeast Michigan Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions The goal of this program is to improve the quality of care for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorder.

Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon; Upper Peninsula Caroline Joy Dayton PhD, LP, LMSW IMH-E(IV) This project will increase access to mental health screening and interventions while connecting pregnant people and parents to resources. Wayne County; Southeast Michigan Willow Tree Family Center This project focuses on providing health education and support to low-income, underserved, and marginalized parents.

Clinton, Ingham, Eaton Counties; Mid-Michigan This project will develop a doula program aimed at making prenatal, birth, and postpartum doula services available. Kalamazoo County; West Michigan Dairy Council of Michigan Inc. This funding supported technical assistance for the food pantry grant recipients. Ingham County; Mid-Michigan Learn more at: miblueperspectives.

com/foodpantysupport EXHALE: SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS Strategic Community Solutions This program will provide support for respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. Macomb, Oakland, Wayne; Southeast Michigan Learn more at: mibluedaily. com/Exhale This work will support a mental resiliency platform focused on providing mental health programming for the populations they serve.

Wayne County; Southeast Michigan Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance This program will develop a holistic, accessible system for connecting residents to mental health services. Wayne County; Southeast Michigan The Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO) This program will increase mental health access and wellness. Wayne County; Southeast Michigan To increase their capacity to connect seniors to mental health care.

Wayne County; Southeast Michigan Teen Hype Youth Development This program will expand the services and support provided to close the opportunity gap for mental health services for youth in Detroit. Wayne County; Southeast Michigan This program will serve middle and high-school participants and their parents/guardians with a mental health intervention.

Wayne County; Southeast Michigan *Includes funding partners 2023 Advancing Maternal Health Equity initiative Because of His Love Outreach Improving maternal and paternal mental health among Maternal Infant Health Program clients.

Co-funded with BCBSM Social Mission through the “2023 Advancing Maternal Health Equity” initiative Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Counties; Southeast Michigan Bronson Health Foundation Inc. Support for the Southwest Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative to improve maternal mental health through increased awareness, assessment and treatment of perinatal loss.

Kalamazoo, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Saint Joseph, Van Buren Counties; West Michigan and Mid-Michigan United Way for Southeastern Michigan Darienne Driver Hudson, Ed. D. Support for the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative to improve maternal mental health through increased awareness, assessment and treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Co-funded with BCBSM Social Mission through the “2023 Advancing Maternal Health Equity” initiative Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties; Southeast Michigan Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions Inc. Continued support for expanding the Upper Peninsula Maternal Opioid (and other substance) Misuse Model by partnering with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Co-funded with BCBSM Social Mission through the “2023 Advancing Maternal Health Equity” initiative Marquette, Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties; Upper Peninsula Young Women’s Christian Association of Kalamazoo Continued support for a home-visiting Community Health Worker.

Co-funded with BCBSM Social Mission through the “2023 Advancing Maternal Health Equity” initiative Kalamazoo County; West Michigan Food and Nutrition Insecurity Initiative The Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities Increased access to fresh produce consumption by connecting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible communities to online ordering of fresh produce and nutritious food.

Grand Traverse County; Northern Michigan 2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health in The Upper Peninsula Catholic Social Services of the U. P. Improve access to mental health treatment for young people.

Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program. ” Delta County; Upper Peninsula Great Lakes Recovery Centers Inc. Increased access to mental health treatment. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program.

” Marquette and Alger Counties; Upper Peninsula Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency Pilot a school-based universal mental health screening program. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program.

” Marquette and Alger Counties; Upper Peninsula Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency Expansion of the Youth Wellness Task Force. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program.

” Marquette and Alger Counties: Upper Peninsula Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Creation of the Upper Peninsula Training and Enhanced Access to Children’s Health (UP-TEACH) hub. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program. ” Ingham County; Mid-Michigan and Upper Peninsula Northern Michigan University Creation of the U.

P. Behavioral Health Education Hub. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program.

” Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions Inc. Establish a behavioral health and health care provider network to improve care access. Co-funded with the Superior Health Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund through the “2023-2024 Pediatric Mental Health Program.

” Marquette County; Upper Peninsula Systems Approach to Building A Continuum of Crisis Care Services Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Improving the response to people experiencing mental health or substance use-related emergencies through crisis care models. Co-funded by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. *Includes funding partners Please check the FAQs in our help section.

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