At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, we contribute to the community in a variety of ways: 

Financial Support
Each year we provide much-needed financial support to community organizations throughout the state in the form of grants and sponsorships.  In 2007, we funded roughly 400 nonprofits. The primary focus of our support is for programs that address health care quality or accessibility to the medically under-served.  Our focus areas are primarily health and human services.  However, we do fund some education and arts programs.

• Grant funding is for either program or general operating support and occurs twice a year. The first cycle or spring cycle grant application is due March 31, 2008. The second cycle or fall cycle grant application is due September 30, 2008.  If the organization is funded under the spring cycle, the award amount covers the period July 1, 2008- June 30, 2009.   If the organization is funded under the fall cycle, the funding period covers January 1, 2009- December 31, 2009.   Program and general operating support awards are typically in the $2,500 - $20,000 range.  Funding approval decisions are made by the members of the BCBSIL Community Affairs Advisory Board. 
  Apply for grant funding

• Sponsorships are primarily for supporting fundraisers or events of 501c3 organizations.  Sponsorships are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.  A three month lead time is needed.  Organizations who have not been approved to receive a grant under the Fall 2007 (awarded December 2007), Spring 2008 (to be awarded June 2008) or Fall 2008 (to be awarded December 2008) are prioritized.  Sponsorship awards are typically in the $250-$5,000 range. 
  Apply for a sponsorship

• Have you already started your online application for funding or sponsorship? If so, please click here.
  

CareVan Program
Our three CareVan mobile clinics travel throughout the state providing immunizations and health screenings to undeserved communities.  Since this program began in 1990 on the heels of a deadly measles outbreak, CareVan nurses have administered tens of thousands of immunizations for measles, mumps, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, rubella, Hepatitis-B and bacterial meningitis.

Volunteerism
Our 8,000 employees perform countless acts of kindness through volunteer work in their own towns and neighborhoods.  In 2007, they volunteered more than 10,000 hours to help strengthen and improve our communities.   They served on nonprofit boards, painted schools to give children better learning environments and donated school supplies to make sure they have resources to learn.  They also walked hundreds of miles to raise funds for research into diabetes, cancer, heart disease and the causes of premature births and birth defects.