New funding opportunity to fight disparities

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation is offering up to ten substantial grants to non-profits. This initiative, "Closing the Gap on Health Care Disparities," offers funding for one year of program planning with an option to apply next year for implementation funding.

Letters of Intent are due on May 22nd. The Foundation will conduct two Community Grant Forums to provide details and answer questions about this funding opportunity. Space at each forum is limited. An RSVP Form (PDF) should be emailed or faxed to BCBSMA by Wednesday, April 9.

• Monday, April 14, 2008
  10:00-11:30a.m.
  The Marlborough Courtyard by Marriott
  75 Felton Street ~ Marlborough, MA 01752

• Friday, April 18, 2008
  10:00-11:30a.m.
  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc.
  Landmark Center ~ 401 Park Drive ~ Boston, MA 02215

The Foundation stresses that proposals should:

• Incorporate providers, patients and community-based organizations
• Create organizational system change
• Include community stakeholders in a meaningful way

In addition to funding programs that address racial and ethnic disparities, the Foundation will also consider programs addressing health care disparities affecting other distinct population groups, such as members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community or people who are homeless. The Foundation will provide on-going guidance and technical assistance to awardees.

Click here for grant guidelines (PDF) and directions to the Community Forum sites (PDF).
Click here for information from Critical Mass on health disparities.