Florida Blue Foundation Seeks Grant Applications for Maternal Health Solutions

Strategic Insights -

The Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue, is now accepting grant applications from nonprofits focused on improving maternal health outcomes in Florida. The foundation aims to fund innovative and actionable solutions designed to improve maternal health outcomes, ensure access to quality health care services, and support individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida's maternal mortality rate is higher than the national average, with 19.4% of the state's counties classified as "maternity care deserts."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Florida Blue Foundation is seeking grant applications from nonprofits focused on improving maternal health outcomes in Florida, with a specific emphasis on providing solutions for individuals with chronic conditions and perinatal and postpartum maternal mental health support.
  • The foundation will give special consideration to organizations that use innovative AI-powered solutions and serve people living in under-resourced communities or rural counties.
  • The foundation will award grants to three-and four-year programs, with an approximate $3 million earmarked for the new grant program.
  • The grants awarded earlier this year supported programs such as nurse navigators, mobile clinics, telehealth services, community-based doulas, and evidence-based group treatment programs.
  • Florida Blue Foundation has a long history of community investments, with an average of 10 million Floridians receiving services each year as a result of its community investments.
  • The foundation is part of GuideWell, a not-for-profit health solutions company, and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Statistics:

  • Florida's maternal mortality rate is higher than the national average, with 19.4% of the state's counties classified as "maternity care deserts."
  • Chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity significantly increase the risk of severe pregnancy-related complications and are major drivers of maternal morbidity and mortality in Florida.
  • The foundation has earmarked approximately $3 million for the new grant program, offering three-and four-year grants.
  • In 2025, the foundation invested $3.1 million in maternal health grants, supporting eight nonprofits.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Florida Blue Foundation's grant program announcement
  • Florida Blue Foundation's website
  • GuideWell's website
  • Florida Blue Foundation's community investments report