NEWS RELEASE
Improving Health Literacy of Michigan Residents: New Grant Program Accepting Applications
Teddy Lemmer
| 3 min read
DETROIT, May 6, 2026 – Nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. adults lack proficient health literacy, which increases the risk of mismanaging medications, skipping preventive care, or misunderstanding medical instructions for themselves and their families. To address this challenge, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (BCBSM Foundation) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Improving Health Literacy of Michigan Residents grant program. The new program will support organizations that aim to improve Michigan residents' health literacy through innovative programs and research. Grant awards will be up to $75,000 for 24 months.
Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Although progress has been made in promoting health literacy, the BCBSM Foundation recognizes additional support is needed to assess the direct impact of health literacy interventions on individuals and organizations across the state.
"Health literacy is the foundation for empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health,” said Audrey Harvey, executive director and chief executive officer at BCBSM Foundation. “When people are equipped with accurate, easy-to-understand information, they are better able to make informed decisions, adopt healthy habits and follow medical advice. This grant program is critical because improving health literacy not only leads to better health outcomes but also reduces the use of expensive emergency medical services and improves the affordability of healthcare for everyone. By supporting organizations committed to advancing health literacy, we can build healthier, more resilient Michigan communities.”
Program and research proposals should focus on one or more of the following goals:
- Develop and share accurate, accessible and actionable health and safety information
- Promote healthcare system changes that improve information, communication, decision-making and access to services
- Train clinical and non-clinical staff in best practices in health literacy and patient communication
- Incorporate accurate, standards-based and developmentally appropriate health and science information and curricula in childcare and education through the university level
- Support and expand adult education, English instruction and culturally appropriate health information services in the community
- Promote digital health literacy
- Advance research and the development, implementation and evaluation of practices to improve health literacy
- Promote use and sharing of evidence-based health literacy practices and interventions
Michigan-based institutes of higher education, hospital systems, non-profit organizations and clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status are eligible to apply. Organizations interested in applying must submit a concept paper for feedback before being invited to submit a full proposal. The concept paper template is available at bcbsm.com/foundation, and submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 5, 2026.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBlueDaily.com. For more on the BCBSM Foundation, visit bcbsm.com/foundation.
