Newsroom | 2026 News Releases

Applications due Jan. 30 

CHICAGO  — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ Blue Impact^℠ grant program is accepting 2026-27 applications through Jan. 30. The program is part of BCBSIL’s community investment strategy focused on social determinants of health. This program, along with other BCBSIL community investments, target the social and economic factors that play a role in health and wellness.

“As we enter our 90th year serving Illinois, these grants are a testament to our ongoing commitment to our state and the communities we serve,” said BCBSIL President Brian Snell. “Through these grants, we are proud to support organizations that are making a tangible difference in our state. We look forward to supporting the positive change that this year’s grant recipients will bring to the people they serve.” 

The Blue Impact grant program is one way BCBSIL supports communities, in addition to microgrants and sponsorships, in-kind donations, employee volunteerism and disaster relief.

Blue Impact invests in and partners with nonprofits that offer sustainable, measurable programs to support Illinois residents in five focus areas:

Economic Opportunity and Stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs and upskilling.

Food Access and Nutrition: Supporting efforts to reduce hunger and increase access to nutritious food.

Neighborhood and Built Environment: Focusing on affordable, healthy housing, as well as access to transportation and physical activity.

Locally Defined Health Solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs.

Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close care gaps, specifically around six priority areas — immunizations, diabetes care, cardiovascular care, behavioral health, early detection cancer screening and maternal and infant health.

To apply for a 2026-27 Blue Impact grant, complete the one-step application process by Jan. 30.  Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status. All submissions will be comprehensively reviewed. Funding decisions will be communicated to all applicants by early June.

To learn how BCBSIL makes a difference in the communities it serves, read the annual Impact Report.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at bcbsil.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn

Media Contact

Tricia Ament
media@bcbsil.com
918-551-2228