North Dakota communities and organizations can now submit letters of intent for funding of up to $50,000
FARGO, N.D. — Big ideas can change lives, and now North Dakotans have a chance to make them happen.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is inviting North Dakota nonprofits, schools and communities to share their boldest plans for health and well-being. Through its spring 2026 Health Innovation Grants, the Foundation will fund projects that bring people together, close gaps in care and create lasting change. These grants are built on research showing how everyday life shapes health, and they are designed to turn creative solutions into real impact through new, expanding or innovative programs. Health Innovation Grants aim to foster collaboration, increase community engagement and create lasting, meaningful change.
The grants are guided by findings from the Foundation’s Social Drivers of Health report, which show how environment and daily circumstances can influence overall well-being. By investing in local partnerships, the Foundation works to enhance healthy lifestyles, address service gaps and promote access to health care across the state.
“Every year, we see incredible innovation and dedication from our partners across the state. Our Health Innovation Grants help turn creative ideas into impactful programs that make a difference for families and communities, and we’re proud to support the organizations that are leading the way in building a healthier North Dakota,” said Amber Blomberg, BCBSND Caring Foundation executive director.
Previous recipient, Kayla Hochstetler, director of community engagement and innovation at Spectra Health, said, “this grant funding has allowed Spectra Health to enhance the screening process for social drivers of health within our clinic and improve our ability to respond to those identified needs. Funding has been used to provide direct assistance to clients experiencing poverty as well as to improve our engagement with the communities around our clinics with the most need.”
Accepting letters of intent now through Jan. 31
Letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, Jan. 31. Applicants must be North Dakota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities (such as park boards or public health departments) or school systems. For more information and to apply, visit bcbsnd.com/innovationgrant.
