Grant FAQ
Who can apply for a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation?
Does the Foundation provide sponsorships for events?
How do I apply for funding?
How often can we apply?
Can I hand deliver my LOI or grant proposal to the Foundation?
Can I call a program officer to discuss my eligibility, LOI, or Proposal?
What is the Foundation’s average grant size?
When is our interim and final report due?
To whom do I address my cover letter or support letters?
How do I request a copy of the Foundation’s most recent annual report?
The Foundation is specifically focused on supporting health care organizations and community based organizations that serve the uninsured and low-income people of Massachusetts. The organization must be based in Massachusetts and classified as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact us.
No, we do not fund events or sponsorships of any kind.
The Foundation has a two-stage process for applying to its grant programs. The first stage requires the submission of a two-page Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Those LOIs must be received in accordance with the published deadlines for the program area in which you wish to apply. The Foundation staff reviews the LOIs and then selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. We do not accept out-of-cycle LOIs or uninvited proposals.
The Foundation will accept one LOI per program area. If your application is not accepted, you may re-apply to a different program area that is open. A current grantee can apply for new funding in a different grant program area or at the end of their current grant cycle for the same grant program. If a grantee is seeking renewal for the same grant program at the end of their grant cycle, then an LOI is not required and the grantee may submit a full proposal when the grant program is open. Please note that you may only apply to one of the three Access programs (Connecting Consumers with Care, the Innovation Fund for the Uninsured, and Strengthening the Voice for Access) at any given time.
The Foundation will accept LOIs and proposals that are hand delivered or sent via courier. Deliveries must be made to Mail Services at BCBSMA Foundation, Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, 4th Floor East, Boston, MA 02215. The Mail Service staff will provide the authorized signature needed for your delivery. The Foundation staff will not directly accept or sign for packages.
Yes. The Foundation staff is always available to answer questions.
Closing the Gap on Health Care Disparities: Jennifer Chow
Strengthening the Voice for Access: Phillip González
Connecting Consumers with Care: Jennifer Chow
Pathways to Culturally Competent Care: Jennifer Chow
The Innovation Fund for the Uninsured: Phillip González
The Catalyst Fund: Angela Shennette
Grant size is different for each grant program. Please see grant guidelines for details.
Grantees should refer to the official grant agreement for reporting deadlines and other grant requirements. For one-year grants, interim reports are usually due at the six-month mark and final reports are usually due 30 days after the end of your grant cycle, unless you are a grantee in the Connecting Consumers with Care grant area. For further assistance, please contact us.
Sarah Iselin
President
BCBSMA Foundation
Landmark Center
401 Park Drive, 4th Floor East
Boston, MA 02215
Our annual reports are available for download from our website. If you would like to request a hard copy of our annual report, please contact us.