Investigator Initiated Research Grant Program

The Investigator Initiated Research Grant Program, offered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, supports doctoral-level researchers addressing critical health-related research gaps. Eligible applicants include primary investigators with medical or doctoral-level credentials based in Michigan's nonprofit hospitals and universities. This program emphasizes evidence-based research to improve health outcomes while ensuring effective resource utilization, thereby enhancing healthcare access and quality for Michigan residents.

Commitment to quality performanceHonesty, integrity, collaboration and teamworkEffective and efficient use of resourcesExcellence in programs, grants and communicationsAdvancing balanced health care treatment with uniformity in health outcomes Increasing access to health care, improving the quality of health care and increasing the value of health care
Investigator Initiated Research Program
The Investigator Initiated Research Award Program from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation supports doctoral-level researchers focused on:
Addressing critical gaps in health-related researchExamining factors that may prevent or reduce risk for diseaseExamining associations and cause and effect relationships between health variablesSecondary data analysis of large datasetsHealth care cost-analysis studiesRobust evaluation projects and feasibility studies to test the implementation of innovative interventions to improve health outcomes

Eligibility

We accept applications from primary investigators with medical or doctoral-level credentials, developing evidence-based research, and based in hospitals, universities and health care systems.Applicants must be based in Michigan and their organizations must be nonprofit.Conference travel is limited to $1,000.

Ineligibility

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employees and their immediate family members are ineligible. Employees of any BCBSM affiliate and their immediate family members also are ineligible.The Foundation does not pay for indirect costs except for limited fringe benefits, including health, person and/or medical benefits.The allowable fringe benefit expense may not exceed the lesser of 25 percent of the salary subtotal figure or the actual cost of the fringe benefits.
The Foundation does not pay for tuition expenses or continuing education units for the PI, project staff, or students.
The following are not supported by this funding program: computer equipment, including hardware and software; one-time use consumables, such as medical and office supplies; furnishings; and capital expenses, such as phone, rent, building insurance.