Stronger Organizations Grant

Dogwood Health Trust is a regional philanthropy dedicated to creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn, and thrive with dignity and opportunity for all—without exception. Rooted in community-based values, Dogwood believes the best ideas to improve health and wellbeing come directly from local communities. The foundation focuses on initiatives across four strategic priorities: housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness. From 2025 through 2030, Dogwood will anchor its grantmaking around four core strategies—Capacity, Collaboration, Connections, and Capital Attraction—to strengthen community organizations and leadership. The "Stronger Organizations" grant opportunity is designed to support the operational resilience of strategically aligned nonprofit organizations in Western North Carolina. The grant provides flexible funding that recipients can apply toward core mission activities, infrastructure enhancements, or the creation and expansion of programs. Additionally, funds may be used to support advocacy or policy initiatives, with minimal reporting requirements. These grants are typically disbursed as general operating support, empowering grantees to allocate funds based on their unique priorities and operational needs. Grant awards will range from $50,000 to $350,000 annually and span a two-year period. This provides a significant opportunity for organizations to build long-term capacity and stability. Dogwood prioritizes unrestricted, multi-year support to encourage sustained impact. Funding will be allocated to organizations that demonstrate a strong alignment with Dogwood’s strategic priorities and serve disinvested and disconnected communities in the region. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities that serve the Qualla Boundary and 18 counties of Western North Carolina. The program excludes current Dogwood grantees with active general operating support grants, governmental entities, colleges and universities, fiscal sponsor organizations, and religious organizations including houses of worship. Strategically aligned organizations are defined as those that serve Western North Carolina, advance at least one of Dogwood’s strategic priorities, and intentionally reflect the voices of underserved populations. The 2026 application cycle for Stronger Organizations grants will open on January 20 and close on February 17, 2026. Additional details regarding the application process will be made available by December 15, 2025. Interested organizations are encouraged to prepare early and ensure alignment with Dogwood’s funding objectives. Dogwood also serves as a convener and connector for regional organizations, promoting collaborative efforts that respond to post-Hurricane Helene challenges and other systemic issues. For more information or specific inquiries, applicants can contact Dogwood Health Trust at (828) 771-6710.