The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation was established in July 2005 by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the state’s largest health insurer, as part of its mission to help Kansans lead healthier lives. Initially seeded with a $2 million gift, the Foundation has grown its endowment to approximately $14 million. By law, it is required to distribute at least 5% of its assets annually. The Foundation’s governance involves a five-member board of directors and a chief operating officer who acts on recommendations from an internal employee committee.
The Foundation provides grants for programs that improve health outcomes across Kansas, focusing on health education, access to community health resources, promotion of healthy behaviors, preventive health strategies, and direct health services for the uninsured. This funding initiative seeks to support practical, scalable health-focused programs that serve Kansans and can demonstrate a clear community impact.
Organizations applying for funding must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and must submit their determination letter with their online application. Grants of $5,000 or less require completion of an online application form with all fields filled. Requests that exceed this threshold or originate from organizations without 501(c)(3) status must contact the Foundation directly via phone or email for further guidance and potential eligibility consideration.
Applications are evaluated by the Foundation’s internal committee and board for alignment with its health mission, feasibility, potential reach, and likely impact. Grants are typically awarded for single-year projects and must fall within the Foundation's stated priorities. Activities not eligible include political, religious, or debt-reduction uses. Sponsorships and corporate event partnerships are handled through a separate process.
There is no fixed deadline posted for applications under $5,000, and the Foundation accepts these applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Organizations are encouraged to review the funding criteria on the Foundation’s website and ensure their proposals match the Foundation’s goals before applying. The online application portal and further information are accessible via the Foundation’s official page.
Review eligibility guidelines thoroughly to avoid disqualification for non-501(c)(3) status or restricted use cases.
