Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is a private philanthropic entity dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of residents across Mississippi. The Foundation operates under the broader umbrella of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, a mutual insurance company and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Its primary mission is to support initiatives that encourage healthy eating, increased physical activity, and enhanced health literacy to create a healthier Mississippi. The Foundation offers funding for a wide range of programs that promote wellness, particularly those that are community-based, school-based, or that improve access to healthcare services in underserved areas. Projects must clearly focus on measurable improvements in health outcomes through strategies centered on healthy eating and exercise. Additionally, funded initiatives must aim to enhance the quality of life and well-being of Mississippi residents, especially by addressing limited access to healthcare and supporting health-promoting environments in schools and communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (excluding private foundations), municipalities, counties, schools, colleges, and universities. Organizations must be located in Mississippi or demonstrate that the proposed project will solely benefit residents of Mississippi. In addition, applicants must maintain a nicotine-free environment on all organization-owned property. The Foundation prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, and disallows funding for individuals, religious or political organizations, sports teams, or for commemorative advertising outside of broader grant initiatives. The application process is initiated through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which must be submitted directly via the Foundation’s website. Applicants are cautioned not to copy and paste text into the online form to prevent submission errors. Once the LOI is submitted, applicants will receive a screen confirmation message. Following review, the Foundation may request additional information, a full grant proposal, or notify the applicant that the project will not be funded. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline, allowing organizations to apply throughout the year. Funding decisions are typically made for one-year initiatives. Proposals must include estimated budgets, requested funding amounts, a description of the project’s goals, a plan for sustainability beyond the grant period, and identification of other sources of funding if applicable. The Foundation seeks proposals with clear outcomes that can demonstrate the impact on public health in Mississippi. There are no published contacts or email addresses provided on the Foundation’s web page; all inquiries and submissions must be handled through the online LOI process. As the Foundation issues grants on a rolling basis with no specified annual deadline, applicants should ensure their project timelines align with this flexible review cycle.

Avoid copy-pasting into the LOI form to prevent submission errors. Ensure project aligns with health outcomes and community benefit.