<aside> <img src="/icons/user-circle_blue.svg" alt="/icons/user-circle_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Task Menu

</aside>

📕High-Potential Donor Analysis for IAR

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation (BCBS NC Foundation)

Rationale

The BCBS NC Foundation is a strong target for IAR because of its focus on improving community health and well-being statewide (Current Opportunities - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). IAR’s health clinics and youth programs align with the foundation’s priorities of supporting collaborative, community-based health initiatives. In particular, BCBS NC is investing in youth mental health and resilience – a current funding focus that dovetails with IAR’s youth development and counseling programs. For example, the foundation’s latest initiative will fund up to eight community collaboratives to foster youth life skills and coping strategies (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). This mirrors IAR’s goal of empowering young people and immigrant youth to thrive. BCBS NC’s emphasis on health equity and serving underserved populations fits IAR’s immigrant community services, making it a mission-aligned partner. Past grants from BCBS NC have supported similar community-based projects (e.g. youth mental health coalitions), indicating IAR’s programs would resonate with their funding objectives (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation).

Timeline

The BCBS NC Foundation issues specific Requests for Proposals (RFPs) on a periodic basis rather than accepting rolling applications. For the Youth Mental Health & Resilience RFP in 2025, the timeline was as follows (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation): initial short proposals were due February 4, 2025 (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation), invitations for full proposals were sent by late March, full applications were due April 22, 2025 (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation), and final grantees are notified by late June or early July (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). While this specific cycle focuses on youth mental health, the foundation may announce other RFPs (for example, healthy food access or community health initiatives) with their own timelines. It’s crucial to monitor the Foundation’s “Current Opportunities” page for new RFP announcements (Current Opportunities - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). Typically, application windows open at the beginning of the year for spring deadlines, but exact dates vary by program. All proposals are reviewed in stages (initial application, then full proposal if invited) with set deadlines, so IAR should plan well ahead once an RFP relevant to its work is released.

Next Steps

To approach the BCBS NC Foundation, IAR should take a strategic, well-prepared approach:

• Monitor and Align: Regularly check the Foundation’s grantmaking announcements. Identify the RFP whose focus most closely matches IAR’s programs (e.g. youth mental health, community health, etc.). Ensure IAR’s proposal language closely mirrors the goals stated in the RFP (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation) (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation) – for instance, emphasizing resilience-building in youth or health equity for immigrant families.
• Proposal Structure: In the initial application, clearly outline the collaborative nature of IAR’s programs and any partnerships (schools, clinics, other nonprofits) that improve community health outcomes. Highlight how IAR centers the target population (youth or immigrants) in program design, as BCBS NC looks for community-engaged approaches (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). Use data or stories to show the mental health or health access challenges immigrant families face, and how IAR’s program addresses these challenges in a culturally tailored way.
• Evidence of Success: Given BCBS NC’s competitive process, include examples of IAR’s past impact. For instance, note if IAR has increased access to healthcare for uninsured immigrants or improved youths’ well-being through mentorship. If available, mention outcomes (e.g. “80% of IAR’s youth mentees graduated high school on time, demonstrating resilience and success”). This will show reviewers that IAR is an “experienced, youth-serving, community-based” organization ready to scale up (Funding Opportunity: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation).
• Collaboration and Innovation: The foundation values collaborative initiatives. IAR should consider partnering with a local health provider or school district for a joint proposal, which could strengthen the case. For example, teaming up with a mental health clinic to extend services to Muslim and immigrant youth would exemplify the cross-sector approach the funder favors.
• Past Grantee Insights: Review examples of past BCBS NC grantees (available on their website or press releases) to glean insights. For instance, if a previous grantee was a community center that launched a teen wellness program, note what elements made it successful and echo those in IAR’s plan. This will position IAR’s proposal in line with proven, fundable ideas.

By crafting a proposal that clearly connects IAR’s work in immigrant health and youth development to the Foundation’s objectives, IAR will maximize its chances. Start engaging with foundation staff early—attend any webinars or Q&A sessions they offer for applicants (often listed in the RFP timeline) to gather tips and demonstrate interest.

Contact Information

• Website: BCBS NC Foundation’s grant opportunities page (Current Opportunities - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation) is the primary source for RFP announcements and guidelines.
• Email: The foundation encourages inquiries via email. General grant inquiries can be sent to [email protected] (How to Connect - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). This is useful for asking clarifying questions or confirming eligibility.
• Phone: While email is preferred, the foundation’s main line is (919) 765-7347 (as listed on their site’s contact page). This can connect IAR to foundation staff if needed.
• Grant Officer: There is no individual program officer’s email publicly listed, but the general foundation email above will route IAR’s inquiry to the appropriate grants team member (How to Connect - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). When reaching out, reference the specific RFP and briefly describe IAR’s program to get tailored guidance.
• Additional Outreach: Sign up for the foundation’s email alerts (How to Connect - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation) to receive notifications of new grant opportunities. Also consider following their LinkedIn or Twitter for real-time updates on funding initiatives (How to Connect - BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation | BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation). Building a relationship by introducing IAR and its mission to the foundation staff (via an introductory email or at nonprofit networking events in North Carolina) could keep IAR on their radar for future funding rounds.