Local Impact Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Michigan statewide

Focus Areas:

• Wellness and fitness programs
• Healthy food access
• Behavioral health services
• Health-related transportation services (non-emergency medical transportation)
• Foster and adopted children health services
• Technology enhancements

Funding Amount: Nearly $2 million awarded in 2016 round to 27 non-profit organizations

Eligible Applicants: Local non-profit organizations across Michigan

Target Populations:

• Children (especially foster and adopted children)
• Seniors
• Local community members
• At-risk populations

Award Duration: Most awards are for one-year period; some two-year duration

Example Awards (2016 Round):

• Family Futures: $100,000 (2 years) - Kent County foster care developmental screening
• Greater Flint Health Coalition: $97,500 (1 year) - Obesity and sedentary lifestyle programs
• St. Patrick Senior Center: $95,851 (1 year) - Non-emergency medical transportation for seniors
• Evangelical Homes of MI: $11,000 (1 year) - Fall prevention program

Key Contact: Paul Hillegonds, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund; Rob Fowler, Board Chairman

Background: The Fund was created as part of 2013 state legislation that allowed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to become a non-profit mutual health insurer. By 2016, nearly $38 million in grants awarded in 2014; $8.5 million awarded in December 2015 to 29 Michigan community health foundations; and $4.2 million to Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards.

Application Process

Application Method: Fall 2015 application cycle (typical pattern)

Submission Format: Online application through grant portal

Portal Access: Grant Portal available at mihealthfund.org

Required Information: Specific application materials not detailed in provided pages; applicants should visit grant portal for complete requirements.

Selection Criteria: Organizations focused on priority areas: wellness and fitness programs, healthy food access, behavioral health services, health-related transportation services, foster and adopted children health services, and technology enhancements.