Share
Grant FAQ

Who can apply for a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation?
Does the Foundation provide sponsorships for events?
How do I apply for funding?
Can my organization submit more than one LOI?
Can I hand deliver my LOI or grant proposal to the Foundation?
Can I call a program officer to discuss my eligibility, LOI, or Proposal?
What is the Foundation’s average grant size?
When is our interim and final report due?
To whom do I address my cover letter or support letters?
How do I request a copy of the Foundation’s most recent annual report?

Who can apply for a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation?

The Foundation is specifically focused on supporting health care organizations and community based organizations that serve the uninsured and low-income people of Massachusetts. The organization must be based in Massachusetts and classified as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact us.

Does the Foundation provide sponsorships for events?

No, we do not fund events or sponsorships of any kind.

How do I apply for funding?

With the exception of The Catalyst Fund, the Foundation has a two-stage process for applying to its grant programs. The first stage requires the submission of a two-page Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Those LOIs must be received in accordance with the published deadlines for the program area in which you wish to apply. The Foundation staff reviews the LOIs and then selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. We do not accept out-of-cycle LOIs or uninvited proposals.

Can my organization submit more than one LOI?

Organizations can submit more than one LOI if they have multiple projects related to the guidelines.  However, it is rare that the Foundation will fund multiple projects within one organization simultaneously.  If your application is not accepted, you may re-apply to a different grant program area that is open.  A current grantee can apply for new funding in a different grant program area or at the end of their current grant cycle for the same grant program.  If a grantee is seeking renewal for the same grant program at the end of their grant cycle, then an LOI is not required and the grantee may submit a full proposal when the grant program is open.  

Can I hand deliver my LOI or grant proposal to the Foundation?

The Foundation will accept LOIs and proposals that are hand delivered or sent via courier. Deliveries must be made to Mail Services at BCBSMA Foundation, Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, 4th Floor East, Boston, MA 02215. The Mail Service staff will provide the authorized signature needed for your delivery. The Foundation staff will not directly accept or sign for packages.

Can I call a program officer to discuss my eligibility, LOI, or Proposal?

Yes.  The Foundation staff is always available to answer questions.  Below is a list of current grant program areas and their respective program officers. 

The Catalyst Fund:  Jennifer Lee

Connecting Consumers with Care:  Jennifer Lee

Making Health Care Affordable:  Jennifer Lee 

Strengthening the Voice for Access:  Jennifer Lee 

 

What is the Foundation’s average grant size?

Grant size is different for each grant program. Please see grant guidelines for details.

When is our interim and final report due?

Grantees should refer to the official grant agreement for reporting deadlines and other grant requirements. For one-year grants, interim reports are usually due at the six-month mark and final reports are usually due 30 days after the end of your grant cycle, unless you are a grantee in the Connecting Consumers with Care grant area. For further assistance, please contact us.

To whom do I address my cover letter or support letters?

Sarah Iselin
President
BCBSMA Foundation
Landmark Center
401 Park Drive, 4th Floor East
Boston, MA 02215

How do I request a copy of the Foundation’s most recent annual report?

Our annual reports are available for download from our website. If you would like to request a hard copy of our annual report, please contact us.