Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation announced on Mar. 10 the recipients of its 2026 spring Health Innovation Grants, supporting projects aimed at improving health and well-being throughout the state.
The grants are designed to fund new and expanding programs that address how daily environments and access to resources affect health outcomes for North Dakotans. The selected organizations will use the funds for initiatives ranging from supportive housing to substance use recovery programs.
Among the recipients is the Anne Carlsen Center in Grand Forks, which will expand its Taylor Made Living residential model to provide more community-based housing options for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center will enhance child abuse prevention efforts statewide through its Prevention Without Borders program, combining virtual and in-person education. Haley’s Hope will launch a pilot project in Burleigh and Griggs Counties to help rural schools identify and support students facing reading and math challenges by integrating dyslexia-informed assessments into school routines.
Strengthen ND will operate the Strong Farm Veggie Van, bringing fresh produce to seniors, families, and rural residents in Bismarck-Mandan and nearby communities through mobile farmers markets and school produce boxes. The Village Family Service Center in Fargo has started an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program under First Step Recovery, offering evidence-based care for youth ages 14 to 17 affected by substance use.
The Health Innovation Grant program is based on research into social drivers of health, focusing on how community conditions shape outcomes. Over recent years, more than 40 organizations have received support from this initiative. BCBSND works to improve community health through affiliations and foundation efforts, according to the official website. The company partners with organizations via its Caring Foundation to support sustainable health initiatives in communities, as reported by the official website.
BCBSND is affiliated with entities such as Noridian Healthcare Solutions that manage government health programs, according to the official website. It ranks as the leading health care coverage provider in North Dakota, serving hundreds of thousands of residents statewide according to the official website. Coverage extends across North Dakota as well as nationwide and international networks, according to information from the official website. The organization focuses on promoting member health through simplified and affordable options for care, according to details provided by the official website.
Looking ahead, BCBSND Caring Foundation will accept Maternal Health Grant applications from April 1-30. Impact Grants are also available on a rolling basis through their website.
