The Community TIEs Awards Program was created in November 2003 to recognize organizations that are excelling in their service to the community. Awards are given in three categories that are important to the Foundation and its mission: Technology, Innovation and Evaluation. One organization in each category receives a $10,000 unrestricted award.

• Technology – rewards exemplary performance and results in using technology to improve effectiveness and efficiency, and to further the mission of the organization in serving their target population (e.g., domestic violence victims, free clinic patients, etc.)
• Innovation – rewards use of creative solutions and programs to serve clients as demonstrated through successful implementation of a truly innovative concept
• Evaluation – rewards organizations that demonstrate commitment to measuring and reporting outcomes; preference is given to organizations that have used evaluation results to improve their programs and services

Since 2004, BCBSNC Foundation has annually partnered with a North Carolina member-based organization to present the Community TIEs Awards. Previous awards have honored affiliates of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2004), North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (2005) and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (2006).

For 2007, the Foundation partnered with Student Action with Farmworkers, and awards recognize groups that serve farmworkers, migrant youth or Latinos in North Carolina.