February 2025

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In This Edition

• A Message from Lori
• Our Commitment to Youth + Young Adults
• New Board Leaders Assume Roles
• Hurricane Relief Update
• Join a Now + Next Cohort
• Customizable Now + Next Available
• Partner Funding Available
• Partner Resources Available
• NHF Partner Services Available

Our Commitment to Helping

Vulnerable Youth Continues

Dear Community Partner,

As we step further into 2025, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead, thanks to our Board of Directors' commitment to remaining steadfast in our effort to create opportunities for youth and young adults across Western North Carolina, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

We closed 2024 by making a $255,000 investment in six organizations laser-focused on youth issues. We recognized that far too many of our region's young people face barriers to reaching their full potential—whether it’s access to quality healthcare, mental health support, education, or economic stability. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and targeted investments, we chose to stand with our community to foster resilience, empowerment, and opportunity for the next generation.

In 2025, we will continue this work to grow mental health advocacy, workforce readiness programs, and educational support initiatives. By listening to the voices of young people and collaborating with local organizations, we will create sustainable solutions that uplift and inspire. Our focus will not only be on immediate needs but on laying the foundation for long-term success and well-being.

I believe in the strength of our community and the power of collective action. Together, we can ensure that every young person in our region has the chance to build a bright, fulfilling future.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership—let’s make 2025 a year of hope, impact, and transformation.

With gratitude,

Lori Bailey

Executive Director

Youth + Young Adult Investments

At their meeting earlier this month, Nantahala Health Foundation's Board of Directors approved a plan to continue our work to build health and resilience within youth and young adults struggling to thrive.

A call for grant proposals will launch April 7, with a month-long window open to submit pre-applications. During this time, at least two in-person community Q&As will be held, during which staff will be available to respond to questions. Watch for more information on these sessions to be announced in March.

Agencies chosen to advance to Round 2 of the grant process will be asked to submit final applications by August 8, with funding decisions expected in October.

New NHF Board Leadership is Seated

Also at their meeting last month, new board leaders were seated in the board's top four executive roles:

Chair Roger Plemens

Retired Macon County banker, Roger said of his service at NHF: “Working toward the betterment of my community has always been important to me. The work we’re doing at Nantahala Health Foundation is guaranteed to pay dividends for us all well into the future. I would encourage anyone interested in leaving a lasting legacy on this community to get involved with our mission.”

Vice Chair Alison Cochran

A native of Swain County, Alison has served within the county's Department of Public Health since 2005, and as its director for the last 10 years. "My work at the health department has enhanced my understanding of the challenges facing our community within social drivers of health and how we can best invest in our future."

Secretary Ann Lukens

A semi-retired paramedic, Ann is still involved in the work of two volunteer fire departments and as a medical first responder in the Hiwassee Dam and Unaka areas of Cherokee County. She has some 20 years of experience in EMS and first response. Of her service with NHF, Ann said: “I am delighted to have joined the Board of the Nantahala Health Foundation and hope that my varied experience brings an insightful viewpoint to discussions and decisions impacting the health and welfare of our citizens and region.”

Treasurer Clarssia Ashe

A first-generation Mexican-American, Clarissa was born in Tucson, AZ, and has lived in Western North Carolina since age 16. Since 2009 she has held the title of Business Officer at the Jackson County Department of Public Health. Of her service with NHF, she said: "Improving the health and well-being of our community is a priority for (the health department), and Nantahala Health Foundation strives for the same. I am honored to serve on a Board that shares the same vision for our community."

Thanks to our partners and generous donors, more than $162,000 has been distributed to 14 organizations facing emergency needs since Hurricane Helene's 100-mile-per-hour winds and 30 inches of rain caused widespread flooding, damage to homes and infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents. These aid organizations were hit hard after the storm and needed to quickly enhance their efforts to serve those impacted most, including the elderly, disabled, and families and individuals with limited resources.

Donate, Request Recovery Supplies

The N.C. Multi-Agency Warehouse in Statesville is both receiving and distributing in-kind donations from the community for agencies supporting those who continue to be impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Items available change as they arrive and are distributed but generally include:

• Companion animal supplies
• New clothing
• Nonperishable food and water
• Healthcare supplies
• Household goods
• Cleaning and utility supplies
• Home repair/reconstruction

Those wishing to make donations must pre-arrange drop-offs by calling 336-810-0661, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or via email at warehouseoffice@ncvoad.org.  

Join a Now + Next Cohort

Participants close out another engaging Now + Next Leadership Session by learning the many ways we are connected. -- NHF Photo

Because WNC Deserves Exceptional Leaders

Upcoming Now + Next training dates and locations have been announced. Register today to save your seat at this table.

Spring 2025

April 9 + 23 + May 7

Franklin

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lunch provided

SESSION IS FULL/JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Fall 2025

August 22 + September 5 + 19

Franklin

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lunch provided

REGISTRATION OPEN

Features of this unique-to-WNC organizational and individualized capacity-building program include:

• Small, in-person cohorts of 10-14 professionals
• Diverse, intergenerational participation
• Representation from multiple organizations
• Applied + personalized learning
• Highly collaborative environment
• Networking + community building
• Manageable three-day schedule
• Informative + interactive sessions
• Actionable practices to apply immediately
• Reflective + applied work to complete before, during + between sessions
• Optional meetups to provide support

We offer our core Now + Next at no charge to participants or their organizations because financial resources should never stand in the way of building community + fostering deep connections, both of which are essential to growing a healthier community in our region.

Use the link below to indicate your interest in joining a session; we'll ask you to finalize your registration after you have been assigned to a session.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please share this information with a friend or colleague who is as passionate about improving health and well-being in our region as you are.

Customizable N+N Workshops

Are Available at Your Location

Nantahala Health Foundation and Strategic Leadership Consulting have partnered to bring customized Now + Next training to your organization.

Now + Next alumni and Nantahala Health Foundation partner organizations are invited to host a one-day workshop for their leaders. This training is designed to help organizations capitalize on the power of the Now + Next leadership experience.

Benefits include…



●     Improving listening skills and presence to create more intentional leadership.

●     Developing coaching skills to support growth throughout the organization.

●     Becoming aware of change processes to bring organizational alignment.

FUNDING Available

Golden LEAF -- Economic Development

Up to $50,000

Economic development projects that align with the Golden LEAF priority areas are invited to apply. Golden LEAF may make awards of up to $500,000 for Job Creation and Economic Investment, Workforce Preparedness, and Agriculture.

Community Foundation of WNC -- Disaster Response

Up to $50,000

Eligible organizations that sustained direct facility damage, have been displaced, or require equipment replacement, facility repairs or remediation, or whose projects and mission address:

•           temporary housing, home repair, or remediation

•           water quality assessments or improvements

•           debris removal

•           stream restoration

•           invasive species or forest management, including trail remediation

•           conservation stewardship

•           community garden/farm remediation needed for this spring planting season

•           native species restoration

RESOURCES From Our Partners

Introduction to Writing Government Grants

NOON, VIRTUAL, February 19

This Dogwood Health Trust program provides a comprehensive introduction to government grants. The session is well-suited for organizations with limited experience pursuing federal or state funding. This training explores several key aspects of the pre-award development process, from navigating Grants.gov to maintaining control of a 100-page-plus Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Nonprofit Policy Conversation 

Asheville, February 28

The N.C. Center for Nonprofits will provide a public policy briefing that includes the latest information about recent federal executive actions that could affect nonprofits, a preview of what nonprofits can expect from Congress this year, and highlights from the first month of the state legislative session. The discussion will allow participants to share their insights about priorities for Hurricane Helene recovery legislation and other important state and federal policy issues for 2025.  

Recovery-Friendly Workplace Training 

10 a.m., Waynesville Rec Center, March 20

This training from Southwestern Commission will provide businesses with the tools to create a supportive environment for employees in recovery. Certified employers can benefit from increased productivity, better retention, healthier employees, a safer work environment, and a more positive workplace culture.

State of the Nonprofit Sector 

Take the Survey

To help get a sense of sector trends, the Nonprofit Finance Fund recently opened its 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey to gather data about social sector issues such as federal funding, real estate ownership, workforce and staffing, and other topics relevant to creating community wealth and well-being. The N.C. Center for Nonprofits encourages every North Carolina nonprofit to take 25-35 minutes to complete the survey. The survey is open until March 7. 

Offer your Nonprofit Employees Healthcare

11 a.m., VIRTUAL, March 7

North Carolina nonprofits are invited to join the NC Center for Nonprofit's new association health plan with options to offer health insurance, among other benefits, to your employees. Learn more about the program and plan options and ask questions during this virtual session. All nonprofits are welcome to join the March 7 session or complete an interest survey to get more information. If your nonprofit is not a current Center Member, your organization will need to join the Center before becoming a participant of the AHP.

WNC Health Network's 2024 Data Workbook

Available Now

The 2024 WNC Data Workbook is now available—offering high-quality, local data that can be accessed for free thanks to the generous support of their funders.

🔹 New Primary Data - new community health survey data includes:

•           Housing Adequacy

•           Mental Health & Loneliness

•           Climate & Health Risks

•           Updated Discrimination Module: Capturing Regional Nuances and Physical Effects

•           Financial Security & Affordability of Prescriptions

🔹 Updated Secondary Data – New or updated indicators:

•           Gun Violence

•           Incarcerated Population

•           Radon Exposure

This data is an essential tool for public health professionals, community organizations, and local leaders working to improve health outcomes in our region.

Our grant-making priorities are designed to create a strong network of organizations by investing in your strategies to remove barriers to health.

At Nantahala Health Foundation, we build partnerships with forward-thinking organizations focused on improving the overall health of the region. 

Our Values Statement

Our values speak to who we are as an organization and how we intend to achieve our mission. Read our full statement of values and let us know what you think.

Grantmaking | Capacity Building | Elevating Leaders

About Us | Our Priorities | Our Values

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