Local Impact Grants Program

Local Impact Grants Program

Funder: Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Status: OPEN (ongoing program, most recent cycle Fall 2015)

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.