Nebraska Blue Foundation Grant Program

The Nebraska Blue Foundation, launched in 2024, is the philanthropic extension of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), a company with over 85 years of history serving Nebraskans. This foundation is rooted in the organization's commitment to the health and well-being of Nebraska residents and aims to advance social good by investing in programs that enhance community health outcomes and strengthen economic vitality. Operating from a deep-seated connection with the state, the foundation recognizes the importance of long-term investment in local well-being, infrastructure, and access to opportunity. As such, it targets initiatives that empower residents and uplift community experiences. The Foundation is currently accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its Fall 2025 grant cycle. This cycle emphasizes two specific funding focus areas: Economic Vitality and Third Places. Applicants are encouraged to explore how their initiatives align with these themes—promoting financial opportunity, entrepreneurship, workforce resilience, or revitalizing social infrastructure and communal gathering spaces that enhance connectedness and inclusion. LOIs must be submitted no later than Friday, August 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST. Additional instructions and submission details are available via the foundation's designated grant resource portal. Spending and use of funds are not specifically detailed in this call, but past funding efforts suggest a preference for programs that deliver high-impact, scalable, and community-centered services. In the inaugural grant cycle in 2025, the Nebraska Blue Foundation awarded a total of $300,000 to 20 organizations under two themes: Preventive Health and Serving Seniors. These awards supported initiatives delivering quality preventive care and services tailored to the aging population. The breadth of these grants across the state demonstrates a funding philosophy grounded in inclusivity and outcome-oriented philanthropy. While the current opportunity does not detail specific eligibility categories or applicant types, precedent from past cycles indicates a broad spectrum of community organizations may be considered. However, a Letter of Intent is required to initiate the application process, indicating a two-step review structure where the foundation likely shortlists proposals before inviting full applications. Interested organizations should prepare succinct, compelling overviews that clearly match the outlined focus areas. At this time, the foundation has not disclosed evaluation criteria, funding amounts per award, or whether matching funds are required. Nor is there contact information such as an email address or program officer named. To receive ongoing updates and potentially gain access to further application resources, interested parties are encouraged to join the foundation’s email list using the online contact form. Applicants should be mindful of the timeline and plan accordingly. LOIs must be received by August 1, 2025. Assuming the grant follows a similar pattern to previous cycles, notifications regarding selected applicants for full proposals and final award decisions may occur later in the year, although no specific post-deadline dates have been provided.