Opportunity Overview
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Investigator Initiated Research Program supports doctoral-level researchers conducting evidence-based health research in Michigan. Supported work can address critical research gaps, disease-risk factors, relationships among health variables, secondary analysis of large datasets, healthcare cost analysis, robust evaluation, and feasibility studies of innovative interventions.
Funding and Winter 2027 Schedule
The program offers up to $75,000 per grant, with typical awards of $50,000. For the Winter 2027 schedule, the concept paper is due October 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.. Applicants invited to submit a full proposal may apply through January 6, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.. The controlling public page states that all deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. but does not publish a time zone, so Atlas does not infer one.
Eligibility
Primary investigators must have medical or doctoral-level credentials and be based in Michigan hospitals, universities, or healthcare systems. The applicant organization must be nonprofit. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employees, employees of BCBSM affiliates, and specified immediate family members are ineligible.
Application and Cost Rules
A concept paper is required before a formal proposal. If invited forward, the proposal narrative is expected to be 2,000 to 4,500 words and address background, hypotheses, significance, innovation, research design and methods, expected outcomes, health equity and social determinants, and implications for healthcare value, quality, and access. Supporting materials include a participant enrollment table, detailed budget and budget justification, collaborator support letters, project timeline, resumes/CVs, an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and co-funder letters when applicable.
The Foundation does not support computer hardware or software, one-time medical or office consumables, furnishings, or capital expenses. Indirect costs are not supported except limited fringe benefits, tuition and continuing-education units are excluded, and conference travel is capped at $1,000. Other funds requested, anticipated, or provided for the same or similar project must be disclosed.
Atlas Strategic Analysis
Formal Atlas Opportunity Score: deferred pending authoritative deadline time-zone confirmation and review of the live concept-paper intake details.
N9+ fit is not established. Current rules expressly exclude computer hardware and software, so Atlas will not force N9+ into this opportunity. Dr. Miltie, LLC is not a verified eligible prime applicant because the applicant organization must be a Michigan nonprofit. Any QC Healthcare or other service role would require an eligible investigator-led research design and independent confirmation that the proposed cost is allowable.
Verification Notes
No solicitation number or deadline time zone is published on the controlling page reviewed. Applicant-specific credentials, nonprofit status, research design, collaborators, regulatory or IRB requirements when applicable, budget, personnel, and institutional approvals must be independently substantiated and will not be fabricated by Atlas.
Verified source: BCBSM Foundation Investigator Initiated Research Program.