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Independence Blue Cross Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.7M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.5M

Independence Blue Cross Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8.7 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $500,000 (average $50,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Southeastern Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.ibxfoundation.org/

Phone: 1-855-422-3386

Email: ibxfoundation@ibx.com

Address: 1901 Market Street, 37th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1480

Overview

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Independence Blue Cross, one of the largest health insurers in Pennsylvania. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $90 million in grants to nonprofits and research organizations working to improve health and well-being in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2024 alone, the Foundation distributed $8.7 million in grants. The Foundation operates under four guiding principles: Engagement, Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability. Their work extends beyond grant making—they act as a leading voice in addressing the greatest health challenges facing the region and nation, convening stakeholders and collaborating with innovators and game-changers committed to health equity. Under the leadership of President Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake and Executive Director Heather Major, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in southeastern Pennsylvania's healthcare landscape.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Blue Safety Net Program

  • Funding: Up to $100,000 for unrestricted operating expenses; up to $75,000 for targeted funding
  • Focus: Supports nonprofit, privately-funded community health centers providing free or affordable primary medical, dental, or vision care to the uninsured and underserved
  • Total Impact: Nearly $38 million awarded to 70+ health centers since 2011
  • Application Method: Annual application cycle (opens June 11, closes July 23)

Nurses for Tomorrow Scholarship Program

  • Funding: Up to $35,000 per year per institution
  • Focus: Scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing students
  • Total Impact: More than $16 million awarded, supporting 6,500+ scholarships
  • Application Method: Invitation-only, applications accepted from nursing schools in early calendar year
  • Note: Individual students cannot apply directly; must apply through participating nursing institutions

Healthcare Scholars Program

  • Funding: Up to $35,000 per year for tuition and fees
  • Focus: Full academic scholarships for underrepresented students pursuing ADN or BSN degrees
  • Application Method: Through participating nursing schools

Community Innovation Grants

  • Funding: Up to $50,000
  • Focus: Pilot programs pursuing innovative approaches to health-focused challenges
  • Requirements: Must approach existing community need in new way; require matching funds; involve collaboration between new and existing partners
  • Application Method: Not currently accepting letters of interest (rolling basis when open)

Clinical Care Innovation Grants

  • Focus: Major health systems implementing innovative care delivery models
  • Past Recipients: Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Temple Health, Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic

Priority Areas

The Foundation concentrates on three strategic areas of impact:

  1. Access to Care: Expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare in medically underserved areas, particularly supporting community health centers and safety net providers

  2. Healthcare Workforce: Bolstering the nursing workforce through education scholarships, pathway programs, and support for faculty development

  3. Health Equity: Addressing health disparities, promoting equitable health outcomes, and supporting initiatives focused on social determinants of health

Specific areas of interest include:

  • Community-based mental health services, particularly school-based mental health
  • Opioid treatment and prevention (STOP initiative)
  • Chronic disease management
  • Cultural competence in medical education
  • Services for uninsured and underserved populations

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly does NOT fund:

  • Award dinners or fundraising events
  • Capital construction projects
  • Conferences
  • Endowments
  • Individual grants or scholarships (must be through institutions)
  • Political causes
  • Religious purposes
  • Sports teams
  • Organizations whose mission is misaligned with Foundation priorities
  • Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex

Governance and Leadership

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake — President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation; Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader, leading "strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation's mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community."

Heather Major — Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation Oversees day-to-day operations and program implementation.

Foundation Staff:

  • David C. Moore — Director, Foundation Initiatives
  • Courtney Stefan — Manager, Foundation Initiatives
  • Rachel Williams — Foundation and Public Affairs Program Administrator
  • Margot Sklar — Lead Foundation Program Specialist
  • John (JLy) Lyons — Senior Foundation Program Specialist
  • Elizabeth Prohasky — Senior Foundation Program Specialist
  • Leah Turner — Senior Foundation Program Specialist
  • Denise Tinney — Executive Assistant

The Foundation emphasizes that "Our work is much broader than our grant making, it is informed by our most important stakeholder — our community. We act as a leading voice in addressing the greatest challenges facing our region and our nation."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Electronic submission through YourCause GrantsConnect platform via the Foundation's website

Pre-Application Guidance: The Foundation strongly encourages prospective applicants to contact them for guidance before applying, as "grant applications vary by subject matter and area of impact." Contact ibxfoundation@ibx.com or call 1-855-422-3386.

Application Requirements:

  • Organization name and contact details
  • Organization's mission or purpose statement
  • Demonstration of alignment with Foundation program areas
  • Specific, measurable, time-sensitive, and attainable project goals
  • Only attachments specifically requested (do not submit additional materials)

Program-Specific Processes:

  • Blue Safety Net: Fixed annual cycle (June 11 - July 23)
  • Nursing Education Programs: Invitation-only, early calendar year
  • Community Innovation Grants: Not currently accepting applications (check website for updates)

Confirmation: Upon successful submission, organizations receive email notification from YourCause GrantsConnect. If no confirmation is received, contact the Foundation immediately.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by program and are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the Foundation directly for program-specific timelines.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose application success rates or the number of applications received versus grants awarded.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation has not publicly disclosed specific reapplication policies or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants. Prospective reapplicants should contact the Foundation for guidance.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Alignment with Strategic Priorities: Applications must clearly align with one or more of the Foundation's three areas of impact: access to care, healthcare workforce, or health equity.

Measurable Impact: The Foundation places strong emphasis on "defined project goals that are measurable, time-sensitive, and attainable." Applications should articulate specific outcomes and demonstrate how success will be evaluated.

Organizational Effectiveness: The Foundation assesses "the effectiveness and impact of the organization's current activities" as well as the "merit of the proposed grant activities and the potential impact on improving healthcare access, cost, and/or quality."

Innovation: Particularly for Community Innovation Grants, the Foundation seeks projects that "approach an existing community need in a new way" and demonstrate innovative thinking about health challenges.

Collaboration: The Foundation values partnerships and collaborative approaches. Community Innovation Grants require "collaboration between new and existing partners."

Sustainability: One of the Foundation's four guiding principles is sustainability. Applications should address how programs will continue beyond grant funding.

Geographic and Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must:

  • Serve one or more of the five counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia
  • Hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1) or (2), or Type I/II supporting organization
  • Provide services without discrimination
  • Have mission alignment with Foundation priorities

Examples of Funded Organizations

The Foundation supports 80+ organizations including:

  • Healthcare providers: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Mazzoni Center, Esperanza Health Center
  • Educational institutions: Temple University, Drexel University, Community College of Philadelphia, La Salle University
  • Community organizations: Project HOME, Pathways to Housing PA, Philadelphia FIGHT
  • Specialized clinics: Abington Dental Clinic, HealthLink Dental Clinic, Kids Smiles Inc.
  • Innovation projects: Hoplite Resilience Center (VetTriage mental health app for veterans)

Strategic Advice

Contact the Foundation Early: Given that application processes vary by program and area of impact, prospective applicants should reach out to Foundation staff for guidance before investing time in application development.

Focus on Underserved Populations: The Foundation's commitment to health equity and the safety net is clear throughout their programming. Applications serving uninsured, underinsured, and underserved communities in southeastern Pennsylvania are particularly well-aligned.

Demonstrate Community Connection: The Foundation states that their "most important stakeholder" is the community. Applications should demonstrate deep community engagement and responsiveness to community-identified needs.

Think Beyond the Grant: The Foundation sees itself as more than a funder—they convene stakeholders, advocate for policy change, and provide thought leadership. Organizations that can engage with the Foundation as a strategic partner beyond funding may be particularly appealing.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Focus is Strict: Only organizations serving Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties are eligible—ensure your service area aligns before applying.

  • Pre-Application Contact is Strongly Encouraged: Each program has a distinct application process; contacting Foundation staff early can save time and ensure proper alignment.

  • Measurability Matters: The Foundation explicitly looks for "specific, measurable, time-sensitive, and attainable" goals—vague objectives will not succeed.

  • Know Your Program: Blue Safety Net has fixed deadlines (June 11-July 23), Nursing Education programs are invitation-only, and Community Innovation Grants are not always accepting applications—check current status before preparing materials.

  • Collaboration and Innovation Are Valued: Particularly for Community Innovation Grants, demonstrate how you're approaching health challenges in new ways and partnering across sectors.

  • The Foundation is Active Beyond Grantmaking: They convene stakeholders, advocate for policy, and provide thought leadership—positioning your organization as a potential collaborator beyond the grant itself may strengthen your application.

  • Focus on the Safety Net: With nearly $38 million invested in community health centers and a program literally called "Blue Safety Net," supporting vulnerable populations and safety net providers is clearly central to the Foundation's mission.

References

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