Investing in the Health of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan

The 2025 Investing in the Health of the Upper Peninsula Request for Proposal aims to support programs addressing key health issues affecting residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with a particular emphasis on the needs of its aging population. The region's demographic profile presents unique challenges, as 23 percent of residents are 65 years or older, compared to the state average of 18 percent. Older adults in this region face heightened risks of isolation, complex health needs, limited access to services, transportation barriers, and a shrinking base of caregivers. At the same time, local communities face fiscal constraints that may further reduce available services. This grant program is a collaborative effort by the BCBSM Foundation, Superior Health Foundation, and Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The program seeks to support initiatives across several priority areas: improving access to care for older adults through better coordination of services; developing the workforce, especially by expanding community health workers and mental health providers; promoting innovative or evidence-based programs for chronic disease prevention; enhancing support for caregivers through innovative respite models and improved retention of professional caregivers; reducing isolation and loneliness among older adults; increasing health literacy to empower both individuals and providers to make informed health decisions; and supporting organizations focused on data collection, evaluation, or capacity-building efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations such as hospitals and universities that are recognized as tax-exempt entities by the Internal Revenue Service, are headquartered in Michigan, and serve residents of the Upper Peninsula. Certain activities and organizations are excluded from funding consideration, such as loan programs, capital projects, lobbying, tuition fees, discriminatory organizations, or any programs not serving Upper Peninsula residents. The grant program will award grants of up to $50,000, with options for 12- or 24-month grant periods. The total requested amount must not exceed $50,000, and applicants should clearly indicate any additional program revenue. There is flexibility in proposal size provided the initiative aligns with the overarching goal of improving the health and quality of life for older adults in the Upper Peninsula. The application process consists of two steps. First, applicants must submit a concept paper via email to upinvest@bcbsm.com by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 11, 2025. Applicants whose concept papers are selected will be invited to submit a full proposal through the BCBSM Foundation’s grants portal by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on September 12, 2025. Office hours will be available on August 18 and August 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to provide additional guidance. Final award announcements will be made on November 13, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the extent of collaboration with communities and multi-sector partners, the project’s potential to implement effective or innovative models with long-term impact, the clarity and measurability of anticipated outcomes, and alignment with the BCBSM Foundation’s mission and values. Interested applicants can direct questions to upinvest@bcbsm.com.