Frequently Asked Questions
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation was officially incorporated July 1, 2005, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
As the state's largest health insurer, and as the only home grown carrier, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is uniquely positioned to help improve the health of Kansans. Blue Cross incorporated the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation as a way to further strengthen its ability to encourage Kansans to lead healthier lives by creating a permanent funding stream that grows with time. In addition, the BCBSKS Foundation is able to focus its funding on key health issues that can impact the lives of many Kansans.
The BCBSKS Foundation is administered by a five-member board of directors that includes officers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and two current members of the BCBSKS Board of Directors. Marlou Wegener serves as the Foundation’s chief operating officer.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation has a responsibility to promote the good health of the people who live in the Foundation’s 103-county service area. With that in mind, the Foundation seeks to fund programs and activities that are at their core health-related. Organizations that receive funding must have 501(c)(3) status; the Foundation will not provide funding for individuals or political organizations. Organizations not classified with 501(c)(3) status may contact the Foundation to learn more about eligibility.
The Foundation will not consider funding for an individual’s medical care or support; religious organizations if funds are used to benefit a specific congregation (however, programs sponsored by religious groups that are nonsectarian in nature may be eligible for support); parent-teacher organizations (i.e. after prom events); sponsorship of sports or athletic teams; capital or renovation campaigns; political campaigns or events, or political-related activity; and, fundraising events/sponsorships.
The Foundation was created with a $2 million gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas from its financial reserves. The corpus has increased to $14 million. The Foundation is required by law to distribute at least 5 percent of its assets annually, but is not limited to that minimum and may grant additional funds if projects warrant.
The Foundation’s five-member board of directors and/or the Foundation's chief operating officer act upon recommendations made by a committee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas employees.