BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports health causes in South Carolina, including access to care, the healthcare workforce, and resources for children. It accepts letters of inquiry within specified time frames.
IP TAKE: Access to care has been the top cause with this funder, but mental health and children’s issues have lately been gaining steam.
PROFILE: The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation (BCBSSCF) is one of several state-specific funders that originated from the BlueCross and BlueShield health insurance company. It seeks “to promote and support healthier South Carolinians, particularly the economically vulnerable, by supporting solutions to address gaps in health care and serving as an agent of change to support innovation and value-added public-private partnerships.” This funder seeks to support projects that impact economically disadvantaged populations throughout South Carolina. The foundation was established in 2001.
Grants for Public Health and Access and Mental Health
Funding priorities include: reducing emergency room visits, access to healthy foods, children, bringing healthcare to the uninsured, rural communities, and preventing dental emergencies. Grants typically support services like free medical clinic and school nurse programs. BCBSSCF also funds safety net providers for both physical and mental health, health career development programs, and healthy eating and lifestyle initiatives.
The foundation accepts letters of intent using an online procedure. Grant seekers should note the LOI deadlines, such as mid-February for the spring grant cycle; there are spring and fall grant cycles. Only programs and research conducted within the state are eligible for grants. After the LOI and supporting materials are reviewed, the foundation invites groups to submit full applications.
The foundation does not typically fund capital campaigns, brick and mortar establishments, religious or political activities, sports tournaments, events, salaries, or fundraisers. There are no minimum or maximum amounts for grant requests or grant terms.
Recent grantees include the Columbia Oral Health Clinic, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston, Culinary Partners, East Cooper Community Outreach, and Rebuild Upstate. A full list of grantees can be found here, organized by grant cycle and location.
The foundation also has a Giving Back Grant Program that allows employees to earn foundation money for nonprofit projects. Through this program, $500 grants support nonprofits for volunteers who complete at least 40 hours of annual service.
Important Grant Details
General questions can be directed to the staff at info@foundation@bcbssc.com or 803-264-4669. The mailing address is 1-20 at Alpine Road, AA-12T, Columbia, South Carolina, 29219. Grant seekers can keep up with recent foundation happenings on the funder’s press releases page.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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