Update
On June 8, the we hosted a webinar with over 150 participants from around Louisiana about our new grantmaking strategy.
- Download the presentation deck here.
- Stream the full webinar online here.
- Apply for the first round of New Horizons grants here.
By the end of 2016, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation plans to roll out three new grant programs. In total, the Foundation will invest $5 million in Louisiana nonprofits working to improve the health and wellbeing of the state’s residents.
As of the today, the Foundation is accepting applications for its New Horizons grant fund, which will fund new and innovative ideas on a small/pilot scale. New Horizons grants are awards of up to $10,000 for projects lasting less than a year.
“Through this program, we want to help grow the next wave of nonprofit startups and big ideas in philanthropy that might otherwise get overlooked,” says Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Foundation. “We believe that starting with small investments is a prudent way to encourage innovation and a scientific investment approach.”
All of the Foundation’s grants are made to Louisiana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits agencies for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of Louisiananians. If you are interested in applying for a New Horizons grant, the Foundation asks that you read the full guidelines and submit a Letter of Intent online at www.ourhomelouisiana.org.
Later this year, the Foundation will seek applications for a Special Projects grant fund – larger awards that support established programs and nonprofit partners. The Foundation will also seek applicants for the Collective Impact fund, multi-year grants for community coalitions who work together to solve major issues in community health.
“Our full slate of grant opportunities represents the three biggest needs we see in improving Louisiana’s health: the need for new ideas, the need to sustain organizations already doing good work and the need to bring communities together to tackle big problems,” adds Tipton.
If you want more information on the Foundation’s grant programs or need help submitting a letter of inquiry, you may also reach Foundation staff at 1-888-219-BLUE (1-888-219-2583) or by emailing bcbslafoundation@bcbsla.com.