Fargo, N.D. – Big ideas become real change when communities have the support to act on them. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is announcing the 2026 spring Health Innovation Grant recipients, supporting projects that bring people together, close gaps in care and strengthen health and well-being across the state. These one-year grants invest in new, expanding and innovative programs that address how everyday environments and access to resources shape health outcomes for North Dakotans.
The BCBSND Caring Foundation is awarding funds to the following organizations:
Anne Carlsen Center – Grand Forks
Their Taylor Made Living residential model is expanding to Grand Forks, creating additional community-based housing options for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project strengthens access to supportive housing in northeastern North Dakota while building on a statewide continuum of services that promote independence, stability and long-term well-being. Funding will be used to for adaptive equipment, assistive technology and safety systems, as well as program curriculum.
Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center – Statewide
Across North Dakota, child abuse prevention efforts are growing through Prevention Without Borders, a program that aims to increase access to body safety education for children and families. Virtual programming paired with in-person outreach allows the project to reach communities in western, central and eastern regions of the state, reinforcing consistent prevention education statewide.
Haley’s Hope – Burleigh and Griggs Counties
Haley’s Hope is launching a school–community pilot to help rural North Dakota schools identify and support students with ongoing reading and math challenges. By working directly with partner schools, the project integrates dyslexia-informed assessments and clear intervention planning into the school day, reducing student frustration and expanding access to effective supports for students, families and educators.
Strengthen ND – Bismarck and surrounding rural communities
Through the Strong Farm Veggie Van, fresh locally grown produce will reach more seniors, families and rural residents in the Bismarck-Mandan region and nearby communities, including Steele and Wilton. Mobile farmers markets and school produce boxes help reduce transportation and cost barriers while supporting North Dakota growers and expanding access to healthy food.
The Village Family Service Center – Fargo
First Step Recovery, a program of The Village Family Services, has started an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program that supports youth ages 14 to 17 whose substance use affects their daily lives, relationships and well-being. The program provides developmentally appropriate evidence-based care through group therapy, individual therapy, educational programming, creative activities and family engagement to address substance use and mental health needs.
Grounded in the Caring Foundation’s Social Drivers of Health research, the Health Innovation Grant program focuses on how daily experiences and community conditions shape health outcomes. Through strategic investments in local partnerships, the BCBSND Caring Foundation supports efforts that improve access, close service gaps and promote healthier communities statewide.
Over the past several years, the program has supported more than 40 organizations leading innovative, prevention-focused initiatives across North Dakota.
The BCBSND Caring Foundation seeks future grant applications
- Maternal Health Grant applications will be accepted April 1-30. Learn more or apply here: bcbsnd.com/maternalhealthgrant
- Impact Grants are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the Caring Foundation website for more information.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support non-profit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.
