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, community—centered 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 Mark Muthumbi, CNY/Southern Tier Regional President, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “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.
CNY recipients
In Central New York, award recipients and their funded programs are:
• Onondaga Community College Foundation — Helps young children build early reading skills by bringing books and reading activities into neighborhood barbershops. These familiar spaces help kids feel comfortable while learning to read and build confidence.
• Outpatient & Peer Recovery Services – C.H.A.D. — Supports people in recovery from substance use by adding trained peer supporters, people who have been through recovery themselves—into outpatient care. These peers help with appointments, staying on track with treatment, and finding needed support.
• Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) — Works to make healthy food easier to get in local neighborhoods. The program funds community—led ideas, supports local leaders, and helps people access foods that reflect their culture and preferences.
• The Upstate Foundation (Joslin Diabetes Center) — Helps people with diabetes get better care by sharing data from devices like glucose monitors directly with their doctors. This helps care teams respond faster and adjust treatment when needed.
• WIC on Wheels (CAPCO) — Brings WIC services straight to families using a mobile van. Families can receive nutrition support, health screenings, and education without needing to travel far—especially helpful for rural areas.
• YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County — Reduces chronic disease disparities by combining mobile food access with evidence-based prevention programs and health navigation in underserved rural communities.