Understanding the Application Process

• The application process is two steps.
• First, a Preliminary Project Proposal must be submitted by the deadline. A decision on your proposal will be made within two weeks and you will be notified via email with either a decline or invitation to move on to the next step in the process. 
• Secondly, and by invitation only, a Grant Application should be submitted by the deadline stated on the application form.
• There are two grant cycles per year within the Health of Vulnerable Populations focus area.
• Grants within this focus area are typically one-year and one-time only.
• While there is no maximum limitation for this focus area, the BCBSNC Foundation pays close attention to the gain relative to the cost. Average grants are $60,000 with a range between $10,000 - $100,000.

TIP:

It is important that you indicate the timeframe and cost for achieving a specific level of health gains for your target population. We understand that your project and the long-term health gains it will produce may be on-going but the results sought from this investment should not significantly extend beyond one year of work.

• Organizations seeking grants for programs related to HIV/AIDS prevention or treatment should contact the North Carolina Community AIDS Fund which is supported by the BCBSNC Foundation. Contact Beth Stringfield, Beth.Stringfield@duke.edu or 919.613.5431.

How to Apply

1.  Review the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation's Eligibility Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions.

2. Review the Detailed Focus Area Description for the Health of Vulnerable Populations and make sure that you fit within the criteria outlined. 

The results from your project should achieve one or more of the measurable results for the focus area. It is critical to your chances of having a successful proposal and application that you clearly articulate the outcomes your organization will achieve and that the outcomes explicitly fall within the criteria listed for the Health of Vulnerable Populations.

Please feel free to call us to discuss your project if you have questions about how it aligns with the measurable results we're seeking in this focus area.

3. Preliminary Project Proposal - The First Step

The BCBSNC Foundation has a new responsive grant cycle process for 2010. Check out more details about how the process works.

The Preliminary Project Proposal is now available. The proposal is due to the BCBSNC Foundation by Friday, January 15, 2010.