BCBSM Foundation: Help and FAQs
Guidance on what steps to take to apply for each type of grant program
Before developing and submitting a concept paper, please review specific grant program eligibility requirements and grant guidelines on the grant detail pages. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation responds only to concept paper inquiries for the Community Health Matching Grant Program, Investigator Initiated Research Program, and Physician Investigator Research Award Program, and doesn't review unsolicited proposals for these three programs.
Email the Foundation if you would like to discuss one or multiple ideas and/or plans before you submit your concept paper.
A concept paper is required for the Community Health Matching Grant Program, Investigator Initiated Research Program, and Physician Investigator Research Award Program. Please don't submit a formal proposal to those programs unless BCBSM Foundation requests one.
While BCBSM Foundation accepts concept papers year-round, to be considered for a specific funding cycle, we must receive your concept paper at least 60 days before the grant deadline. Visit the Community Health Matching Grant Program, Investigator Initiated Research Program, or Physician Investigator Research Award Program detail pages for the dates.
You should receive next steps within two weeks of submitting a concept paper.
Important note: An invitation to submit a concept paper or a proposal does not guarantee funding for a project. Grant awards are only assured after the application/review process is complete, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has made final determinations regarding awards, and submission of required documents as indicated in the grant award letter.
It depends on the grant. Go to the grant program page you are interested in for details on the documents required for your proposal package.
You'll receive an email confirmation from our partner site at benevity.com. Be sure to add grants@benevity.com to your safe senders list to ensure you receive all system communications.
The contact person listed on the grant will receive an email within 10 days after the application review dates listed on the specific grant program pages.
Guidance on the financial component of grant funding
For research grants, showing the organization’s support of the proposed project isn't required, but a good idea if applicable. However, a cash financial match, outside of your organization, is required for the Community Health Matching Grant Program.
The Foundation doesn't pay for indirect costs with the exception of limited fringe 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. Fringe benefits include health, personal and/or medical benefits.
The Foundation doesn't pay for: capital expenses, computer equipment, including hardware and software, unless they are directly related to the aim of the proposed project.
If you don't see what you're looking for, email us your question and a member of our team will respond.
Mailing Address
BCBSM Foundation | Mail Code X101 | 600 E. Lafayette Blvd. | Detroit, MI | 48226-2998