Buffalo, N.Y. — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is deepening its commitment to Western New York with a $3.75 million investment in 20 community health initiatives through Blue Fund, an initiative of the Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program.
The latest round of funding marks the ninth consecutive year of Blue Fund investments. The grants will support nonprofit organizations and community partners working to improve behavioral health, strengthen maternal health services, advance cardiovascular health, and build the healthcare workforce across Western New York's eight counties.
"Improving community health takes collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for change," said Michael Ball, vice president, Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "That's why we continue to invest in organizations that are expanding access to care, supporting families, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and addressing the root causes of poor health. Together, we're advancing solutions that create lasting impact and help more Western New Yorkers live healthier lives."
In addition to announcing this year's grants, Highmark is convening more than 125 past and present Blue Fund recipients at its second annual Impact Summit, a collaborative gathering of nonprofit leaders, funders, healthcare stakeholders and elected officials committed to advancing community health across the region. The summit is designed to spark new partnerships, share best practices, and accelerate progress on some of Western New York's most pressing health challenges.
This year's grant recipients represent a wide range of initiatives, from expanding behavioral health services and improving maternal health outcomes to increasing food security, developing healthcare career pathways, and enhancing access to care in underserved communities.
Below are the recipients of the 2026 Blue Fund Grants:
- Big Big Table Community Cafe Incorporated has been awarded a $150,000 Blue Fund grant for its Strategic Relocation to Double Meal Production & Service Capacity project, expanding access to nutritious meals and supportive services for individuals facing food insecurity, homelessness, and social isolation.
- Buffalo Urban Development Corporation has been awarded a $100,000 grant for its Downtown Waterfront Area Placemaking Projects, helping create safer, more accessible spaces that encourage recreation, physical activity, and community engagement along Buffalo's waterfront.
- Cazenovia Recovery Systems has been awarded a $150,000 grant for Continuing Recovery, providing peer support and case management services that help individuals sustain recovery after residential substance use treatment.
- Chautauqua Striders has been awarded a $150,000 grant for its Youth Mentoring and Social Emotional Learning Program, supporting the mental health, resilience, and well-being of young people throughout the community.
- Community Missions of Niagara Frontier has been awarded a $275,000 grant for its Community Missions Distribution Center project, expanding access to nutritious food through a new, community-focused distribution hub.
- Community Nutrition Partnership has been awarded a $250,000 grant for Healthy Moms, Healthy Beginnings, providing nutritious meals, counseling, and support services for pregnant and postpartum women.
- Community Services for Every1 has been awarded a $250,000 grant for the Niagara Center for Independence and Empowerment Resources project, expanding services that promote independence, advocacy, and support for individuals with disabilities.
- Daemen University has been awarded a $200,000 grant for the Kennedy Institute for Mobility Innovation & Technology PT+ Interprofessional Workforce Initiative, helping prepare future healthcare professionals while expanding access to physical therapy services.
- D'Youville University has been awarded a $200,000 grant for Vital Connect, creating a more integrated approach to behavioral health care by connecting counseling, pharmacy services, and community resources.
- Great Lakes Innovation District for Economic Empowerment (GLIDE) has been awarded a $250,000 grant for Nexus Niagara: Building a Healthier and More Resilient Western New York, expanding workforce training opportunities and supporting healthcare innovation throughout the region.
- Health Workforce New York has been awarded a $225,000 grant for Expanding Healthcare Career Pathways in Western New York Through ICAM, connecting residents to healthcare career exploration, training, mentorship, and employment opportunities.
- Housing Options Made Easy has been awarded a $100,000 grant for its Mobile Shower Trailer initiative, helping connect individuals experiencing homelessness to healthcare, recovery, and supportive services.
- Integrity Partners for Behavioral Health IPA has been awarded a $175,000 grant for Reaching Isolated Older Adults Through Rural Behavioral Health, connecting older adults to mental health services, peer support, and community resources.
- Jamestown Community College Foundation has been awarded a $250,000 grant for Nursing Simulation Labs for Rural Health Workforce Readiness, strengthening hands-on training opportunities for future nurses serving rural communities.
- Jericho Road Ministries has been awarded a $125,000 grant for Pathways to Care, creating paid internship opportunities that help develop the next generation of behavioral health professionals.
- Open Buffalo has been awarded a $150,000 grant for Healing Our Communities, advancing behavioral health equity through community healing programs, education, and access to support services.
- The Research Foundation for SUNY, on behalf of the University at Buffalo has been awarded a $250,000 grant for a Telemedicine Pilot to Expand Access to PEP for People Who Use Opioids in Western New York, improving access to prevention and healthcare services through innovative telehealth solutions.
- The National Witness Project has been awarded a $100,000 grant for Project Rainfall, expanding access to fresh, healthy food through a hydroponic farming and food innovation hub on Buffalo's East Side.
- Trocaire College has been awarded a $200,000 grant for Blue Fund Healthcare Pathways, helping individuals pursue healthcare careers through training, certifications, clinical placements, and support services.
- University at Buffalo Pediatric Associates has been awarded a $200,000 grant for Integrated Pediatric Behavioral Health and Chronic Disease Support for Medically Complex Children, expanding coordinated care and support for children and their families.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield launched Blue Fund in July 2018 to support organizations and initiatives that work collaboratively to address key health priorities and deliver measurable improvements in community health outcomes.
Organizations interested in learning more about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s corporate giving should visit Highmark Bright Blue Futures | Corporate Giving.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
