Highmark Blue Shield (Northeastern New York) is committed to eliminating health disparities and improving the health of the communities we serve in the Capital Region.
From innovative businesses to vibrant downtowns, the Capital Region continues to rise to the challenge. We see this pivotal moment as an opportunity. Blue Fund contributes to the wider strategy of our company-wide Highmark Bright Blue Futures initiative, our charitable giving and community involvement program. As an enterprise, we believe our working in partnership with communities and providers within our footprint is critical to achieve lasting positive outcomes.
The Blue Fund LOI is now open for the 2026 grant cycle.
Deadline for submitting LOI materials is March 16, 2026 at 4 pm.
Please read through all guidelines before applying, as changes have been made.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (Northeastern New York) is committed to strengthening the health, wellness, and resilience of individuals, families, and communities across our region. Through Blue Fund, we invest in nonprofit organizations working to improve health outcomes and address key factors that influence overall wellbeing in our communities.
Blue Fund considers proposals that address one or more of the following focus areas:
All applicants should demonstrate how their proposal goes beyond sustaining current work by enhancing existing efforts, expanding community impact, or building on established best practices.
Blue Fund uses a two-step application process. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the online application system. Selected organizations will then be invited to submit a full application. Hard copy, emailed, or PDF submissions are not accepted. Performance tracking and reporting will be required through the online system.
Behavioral Health
Strengthening community mental and behavioral health through expanded access, reduced stigma, and coordinated support.
Priority Objectives
Cardiovascular Health
Reducing chronic disease and promoting healthy lifestyles through prevention, education, and community-based supports.
Priority Objectives
Health Care Workforce Development
Building a skilled and resilient healthcare workforce prepared to meet community needs.
Priority Objectives
Maternal Health
Improving maternal wellbeing and supporting safe, healthy pregnancies and births.
Priority Objectives
General Expectations for All Applicants
All proposals should demonstrate:
In order to qualify for Blue Fund grants, the proposed work must serve or be located in one or more of the following 13 counties: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington. Your organization must be classified as a tax-exempt nonprofit under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or an educational or government entity with tax-exempt status.
Any one organization may submit one letter of intent (LOI) maximum. Grants may provide support to eligible organizations and projects for up to two years depending on project/program design, scale, and budget. Organizations that have an active Blue Fund grant are not eligible to apply for funding during this cycle.
Minimum grant request is $100,000; maximum grant request is $300,000.
Applicants may request up to 15% of the grant amount for indirect costs.
Expenses incurred prior to submission of a Blue Fund application should not be included in Blue Fund project budgets; they are not eligible for payment or reimbursement. The proposed project or program should not begin, and expenses should not be incurred, before a funding decision has been communicated by Blue Fund to the applicant. Blue Fund reserves the right to pay grants in a single installment or in multiple disbursements.
Grantees must have the capacity to track performance and report measurable outcome results as agreed upon by Blue Fund on a regular and timely basis. Blue Fund reserves the right to conduct an independent evaluation of grant expenditures for up to four years. The grantee agrees to provide the information necessary to complete such an evaluation. Failure to submit requested information in a timely fashion may obligate the grantee to refund the grant. The failure of an applicant to properly close out a grant in a timely manner will be a factor when considering new grant applications.
We do not fund political campaigns, exclusively religious activities, or efforts that do not align with one or more Blue Fund focus areas. Attendance at or sponsorship of fundraising events for organizations, annual events or festivals, and the use of grant funds for purposes not pre-approved by Blue Fund or not supported through required documentation will not be funded.
Highmark Blue Shield (Northeastern NY) must approve all uses of the Blue Fund name and logo and reserves the right to review and approve all public outreach and announcements related to the grant-supported project or initiative including but not limited to brochures, flyers, press releases, reports, articles, media engagement, groundbreaking and ribbon cutting events.
The deadline for LOIs in the 2026 cycle is March 16 at 4 pm. Applications that advance to the full application phase will be notified in early May. Funding decisions will be announced in the fall.
Stay updated with the latest news and frequently asked questions.
Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about Blue Fund eligibility, applying and more. If you do not see your question here, please contact us directly.
