The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is offering Collective Impact Grants to address the state's most urgent health and well-being challenges. Originating from the success of the "Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana" initiative, these grants emphasize the power of collaboration to bring about measurable, long-lasting improvements in community health outcomes. The Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity from the insurer itself, has a longstanding commitment to supporting charitable work throughout Louisiana, investing in programs that foster healthy and thriving communities.
The Collective Impact Grants are designed to support community-wide, cross-sector coalitions aiming to tackle deeply rooted health issues. Eligible proposals can address a broad array of concerns such as chronic diseases, obesity, mental health, and systemic disparities in healthcare access, quality, or affordability. While the Foundation does not limit the areas of focus, all proposed initiatives must demonstrate a clear strategy for systemic change and a plan for measuring outcomes.
Applicants may request up to $1,000,000 in funding, typically spread over a three-year period. Awards are disbursed in multiple payments, contingent upon meeting specified annual performance benchmarks. A 1:1 match is required, and up to half of the match may be provided in-kind. This matching component ensures community investment and sustainability of the proposed efforts.
Eligibility is restricted to organizations domiciled in Louisiana that hold a valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and are in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Ineligible applicants include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana contractors, political organizations, religious programs, athletic or pageant-related efforts, and capital campaigns, among others.
The application process begins with submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) online through the Foundation’s SmartSimple portal. LOIs are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Only selected applicants will be invited to proceed to the full proposal stage. The online portal offers detailed guidance for registration, eligibility screening, and document submission.
Award decisions are based on the strategic alignment of the proposal with the Foundation’s mission, the strength of the collaborative partnership, the clarity of outcomes and measurement, and the feasibility of sustaining the initiative post-grant. Applicants are encouraged to review the RFP thoroughly and reach out to the Foundation with any additional questions. Notifications are typically sent to the Executive Director listed in the organization’s profile upon approval.
Read the RFP carefully before contacting the funder; ensure eligibility questions are all passed; Executive Director receives contracts; save drafts frequently
