The Employee Community Fund is a philanthropic initiative managed by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. The fund is sustained by contributions from Blue Cross of Idaho employees through an annual giving campaign. These donations are designated specifically to the Foundation for Health and redistributed to Idaho-based nonprofit organizations via competitive grants. Each year, Blue Cross of Idaho employees determine the focus of the fund. For 2025, the priority is on increasing access to behavioral and mental health services.
This year’s Employee Community Fund grants are focused on addressing health equity and supporting efforts that improve access to behavioral and mental healthcare, particularly among underserved populations. Specific funding priorities include the provision of direct mental and behavioral health services, support for capital and material expenditures necessary for program expansion, and initiatives that create growth opportunities for relevant services. The fund aims to impact youth, veterans, and generally underserved or underrepresented populations within the state.
Eligibility is limited to Idaho nonprofit organizations that did not receive funding from the Employee Community Fund in 2024. Each selected organization is eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding. These grants are not renewable; recipients from one year are not eligible in the immediate subsequent year. Applications are reviewed and scored by a committee of Blue Cross of Idaho employees, and final approval rests with the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
To apply, organizations must complete an application form and upload a W-9 form. The application includes details about the organization, the intended use of funds, the target audience, sustainability plans post-funding, and potential conflicts of interest involving the Foundation or its staff. Applications open on May 12, 2025, and must be submitted by 3 p.m. MDT on June 20, 2025. Notifications of awards will be sent out after Labor Day, in early September 2025.
For further information or to apply, organizations should contact the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health directly. Details regarding the application process, deadlines, and FAQs are accessible through their official communication channels.
