Our Grant and Sponsorship Programs: Supporting Community Efforts
Fiscal Year 2014 Grant Strategy:
Building upon the strength of last year’s strategy, in FY14 the Community Partners Grant (CPG) and Healthy Kids Healthy Families (HKHF) Grant continues its commitment to working with a breadth of strong community partners throughout the state of Illinois to ensure that families and communities have access to health care in under-resourced communities. We know that the health and wellness of a community and its residents can be positively transformed when resources are directed to organizations with the knowledge and community presence to enhance access to care, address health disparities, and create innovative community based coordinated care models.
Grant Streams:
In Illinois, grants are awarded through two separate funding streams: Community Partners Grant and Healthy Kids Healthy Families Grant. Organizations with 501(c)3 status may apply through either (but not both) funding streams. Funding is competitive, so organizations should assess alignment with each streams’ funding priorities. Proposals that demonstrate the following are prioritized:
- Strong alignment with BCBSIL’s funding priorities as stated above
- Ability to clearly define and measure outcomes
- Experience collaborating with external partners to meet outcomes; clear roles and responsibilities defined
Community Partners Grant ($20,000-$100,000)
A Community Partners Grant supports innovative direct service programs dedicated to advancing the following health system objectives in under-served communities in Illinois.
- Increase access to health care
- Decrease care fragmentation
- Improve health literacy
- Address behavioral and social determinants of health and health disparities
- Enhance the capacity to successfully implement health system reform
Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Grant ($20,000-$100,000)
The goal of Healthy Kids, Healthy Families (HKHF) Grant is to focus on promoting health and wellness and preventing the progression of related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Areas of focus include:
- Nutrition education
- Physical activity
- Supporting safe environments
- Disease prevention and management
Grant Range and Use of Funds:
FY14 grant range for the CPG and HKHF is $20,000-$100,000. Funds may be used for program’s indirect operational expenses; however, BCBSIL cannot represent 100% of these costs. Programs must demonstrate the commitment to seek funding from other sources by way of revenue commitments or proposals under review.
Decision-Making and Key Dates:
Both CPG and HKHF applications are due March 29, 2013 at 11:59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted. The Community Investment Board, which is a group comprised of senior level executives, is responsible for reviewing and approving CPG and HKHF proposals. All decisions are final; applicants will be notified mid-June. Grants are one year; funding will commence July 1, 2013 and end June 30, 2014.
BCBSIL Sponsorships:
Organizations working to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities may request sponsorship support from BCBSIL. Sponsorship grants are smaller than the grant awards, ranging between $250-$5,000. Please note: In an effort to increase the number of organizations who have access to BCBSIL community investment support, an organization may receive a grant or a sponsorship, but not both. Examples of sponsorship awards include galas, dinners, luncheons, seminars, conferences and similar activities. Sponsorships do not require 501(c)(3) status. Requests must be made at least two months in advance of project or event. Apply for a sponsorship 
. For questions regarding grants or sponsorships, please contact Katie Cangemi at kathleen_cangemi@bcbsil.com.
