March 2025

Welcome to Nantahala Health Foundation's monthly newsletter. If you find value in this content, please share this information with your friends and colleagues.

In This Edition

• Our YYA Grant Launches in April
• Partner DHT To Fund General Operations
• Hurricane Relief Update
• Customizable Now + Next Available
• Partner Resources Available

Youth + Young Adult Program

Pre-Applications Open in April

Plan to Join an Upcoming Information Session

Continuing our focus on removing barriers for at-risk youth and young adults to achieve their full potential, we will begin accepting grant pre-proposals on April 7, with a month-long window open to submit pre-applications.

“Far too many young people in Western North Carolina face overwhelming challenges that significantly impact their futures,” said NHF Board Chair Roger Plemens. “Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, limited educational opportunities, economic instability, and disengaged communities create roadblocks that prevent these youth from realizing their full potential.”

For these reasons, Nantahala Health Foundation has committed to a multi-year funding focus on removing obstacles facing at-risk youth and young adults in our region.

“When quality healthcare, particularly mental health services, is inaccessible to many due to costs, transportation barriers, and a shortage of providers, individuals fail to thrive, and their health suffers,” Bailey said. “When schools lack the resources to offer the comprehensive education required to compete in today’s world, futures can look bleak. Economic instability forces many young people to delay or even abandon their dreams in order to help support their families. A lack of community engagement and mentorship leaves these vulnerable youth to navigate hardships alone.”

NHF will host three in-person community information sessions in April, during which staff will be available to respond to questions about our organization's focus on Youth and Young Adults and what programs are most likely to align with that focus.

Information session reservations are requested using the link below.

DHT to Invest in General Operations

Organizations strategically aligned with Dogwood Health Trust's priorities -- housing, education, economic opportunities, and/or health and wellness -- are invited to apply for general operating support through April 4.

In May, DHT plans to open two additional opportunities 1. focused on capacity building for actiivies that strengthen internal operations and 2. work in response to challenges and opportunities post-Helene.

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 in support of 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.  

Customizable Now + Next 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.

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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Financial information about our organization and a copy of our license are available from the N.C. State Solicitation Licensing Section at (919) 807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.