Strengthening the Safety Net: Improving Health Care Access through Michigan's Free Clinics

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is currently accepting grant applications from free clinics providing health care services to the state's low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents.

Again this year, Blue Cross is offering two types of Strengthening the Safety Net funding.

First, eligible free clinics may submit a simple online application to be considered for grants of at least $15,000. These noncompetitive awards may be used to fund ongoing clinic operations or expand clinic hours, patient volume or services. Noncompetitive grants will be awarded to eligible applicants in the order applications are received and until available funding is exhausted.

If program funds remain after all noncompetitive grants are awarded, Blue Cross may provide a very limited number of highly competitive grants of up to $50,000 to support innovative proposals from free clinics meeting additional eligibility criteria. These proposals must involve creative approaches that result in sustainable expansion of the number of uninsured or underinsured patients served, number of services provided or types of services provided. Competitive grant applicants will submit a more detailed grant narrative and separate budget request.

Eligible clinics may apply for noncompetitive funding, competitive funding or both.

If you choose to apply