Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has announced the recipients of its 2026 Health Equity Innovation Awards, an annual funding opportunity that supports nonprofit organizations working to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes across upstate New York.
The awards recognize organizations that are driving meaningful progress through innovative, communitycentered solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the people they serve.
This year, 26 nonprofit organizations across the Rochester, Central New York/Southern Tier, and Utica/North Country regions were selected from a competitive pool of nearly 300 applicants. The funded proposals were chosen based on their strong potential for measurable impact, sustainability, and alignment with a shared commitment to building healthier, more equitable communities.
Funding priorities in each region were informed by localized community needs assessments, which helped identify the most urgent health challenges and disparities affecting residents. Across upstate New York, community organizations continue to report increasing demand for essential services, driven by rising costs, limited access to care, and persistent inequities that affect where people live, work, and age.
“The need in our communities is growing, and meaningful progress requires solutions that are grounded in local experience and trust,” said Jim Reed, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield president and CEO.. “As your local, nonprofit health plan, we’re investing in organizations that understand their communities best and are creating real, lasting change that helps people live healthier lives.”
The 2026 Health Equity Innovation Awards will support a wide range of initiatives, including food access and nutrition initiatives and maternal and child health support services.
Rochester recipients
In the Rochester area, award recipients and their funded programs are as follows:
• Adaptt Rochester — Supports parents and babies by providing essential infant items as part of healthcare. This includes supplies like diapers, formula, wipes, and nutrition support for families who need extra help.
• Geneseo Parish Outreach Center — Provides urgent dental care and transportation assistance for uninsured and underinsured individuals while promoting preventive oral health through communitybased distribution.
• Person Centered Housing Options — Supports people experiencing homelessness by offering mobile hygiene services like showers, laundry, and hygiene supplies. The program also helps connect people to healthcare and other support services.
• The People’s Pantry — Offers a grocery style food pantry where people can choose their own foods. The focus is on nutritious options and respecting personal and cultural food preferences.
• University of Rochester Medical Center — Provides easy to understand health education in multiple languages. Community members also get help navigating healthcare and connecting to local services.