BCBSIL: Blue Impact Grant

The Blue Impact Grant by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois supports community-based non-profit organizations focused on improving health equity in Illinois. This grant program emphasizes addressing social determinants of health, including economic opportunity, food access, and health outcomes. Eligible organizations must align with BCBSIL's mission and serve Illinois residents. Applications are welcomed from tax-exempt entities under section 501(c)(3), with a commitment to fostering sustainable community solutions.

Note: This is the initial step in the process to apply for an FY27 Blue Impact Grant. After review, all applicants will be notified. Those selected to advance will receive instructions for the second stage of the application process.
Community Giving
Each year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois supports non-profit organizations working to improve health equity in divested communities throughout the state. Through its grant and sponsorship programs, BCBSIL seeks to support and learn from community partners with missions to build a healthier Illinois. Charitable contributions allow BCBSIL to resource local non-profit leaders to support innovative, sustainable, and impactful organizations that strengthen and enrich Illinois communities.
Blue Impact Grants
Access to care and easing social determinants of health (SDOH) are important to community wellbeing. BCBSIL provides grants in five areas of focus, which are comparable to the SDOH outlined in Healthy People 2030. The five areas of focus are:

• 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 decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food.
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation, safe outdoor spaces, and access to physical activity.

Locally Defined Health Solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs, community collaborations that improve community wellbeing, interrupt violence, or build peaceful communities.
Optimal Health Outcomes: Helping close gaps in care, specifically around six priority areas: immunizations; diabetes care; cardiovascular care; behavioral health; early detection cancer screening and maternal & infant health.

Eligibility

BCBSIL supports community-based non-profit organizations that share a mission to build health equity and align with our strategic priorities. BCBSIL accepts requests for sponsorships and grants from non-profit organizations that are located within and serve Illinois residents and are defined as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Ineligibility

Organizations or projects with written policies that discriminate against individuals based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
School athletic programs
Applications from individuals or support for a sole individual