Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Catalyst Fund

The Catalyst Fund is a capacity-building grant program administered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation. Supported by donations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts employees and vendors, the program aims to strengthen community-based organizations that enhance access to health and healthcare for low-income and marginalized populations in Massachusetts. It is specifically geared toward enabling innovation and planning within these organizations by supporting activities that build infrastructure and organizational capacity. This fund offers one-time, non-renewable grants of up to $7,500 for a twelve-month period. It targets Massachusetts-based community-based and grassroots organizations, including health centers and social service providers. While health does not have to be the core focus of an applicant’s work, the proposed project must demonstrate a compelling connection to health or healthcare. Eligible uses of the grant include hiring consultants or trainers, developing fundraising strategies, and purchasing technology for outreach or educational initiatives. Importantly, the grant does not cover ongoing programmatic expenses, general operating costs like salaries, capital campaigns, conference sponsorships, or medical equipment such as AEDs. Organizations applying for the grant must not have received a Catalyst Fund award in the prior 24 months and must have submitted a final report if previously funded. Additional eligibility restrictions include exclusion of hospitals, for-profit entities, academic and religious institutions, out-of-state organizations, and nonprofits with operating budgets exceeding $5 million. The fund prioritizes organizations that serve economically, socially, or racially marginalized communities and especially supports those led by people of color. Applications are accepted through an online portal starting July 1, 2025, and reviewed in September. The submission review cycle operates monthly except for December, July, and August, when applications are deferred to the following month. Complete applications received by the 5th of the month will be reviewed later that month. Review outcomes are typically communicated within 3-6 weeks. Organizations may submit one application per month but can only receive one grant every 24 months. Applicants must provide organizational demographic and contact information, narrative responses to questions regarding project details, target populations, and expected impact, as well as budgetary documentation. Required attachments include a detailed project budget, the organization’s current operating budget with a narrative, and tax-exempt status documentation. Optional supplementary materials may also be included. For further assistance or inquiries, interested applicants can contact Reena Singh, Senior Program Officer, via email at Reena.Singh@bcbsma.com.