Grantmaking & Strategic Investment
Powering Community Health in Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania Counties
Deploying capital where it can do the most good.
Pisgah Health Foundation invests in nonprofit partners and community solutions that strengthen the conditions shaping health and wellbeing across Western North Carolina. Our funding is grounded in the understanding that health is influenced by housing, food access, economic stability, education, and social connection — not just healthcare.
We act as a strategic philanthropic partner, aligning capital, relationships, and shared learning to advance long-term community impact.
Our Investment Approach
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We provide grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve community wellbeing and address local needs across Transylvania, Haywood, and Madison counties. Funding supports organizational stability, leadership capacity, and community-driven solutions.
We prioritize:
Efforts that address the social determinants of health
Collaboration and shared work across organizations
Leadership development and nonprofit resilience
Community-informed strategies and lived experience
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In addition to grants, PHF deploys program-related investments to advance long-term solutions — particularly in areas where traditional funding alone cannot create systems change.
Current focus includes:
Affordable housing initiatives that expand access to safe, stable homes
Strategic projects that strengthen the regional nonprofit ecosystem and community infrastructure
These investments allow capital to work in multiple ways— supporting both immediate needs and lasting structural solutions.
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We often support collaborative efforts where multiple organizations are working together toward shared outcomes.
What We Look For:
Strong proposals typically demonstrate:
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Social Determinant
Clear connection to community wellbeing & addressing at least one social determinant of health.
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Collaborative
Energy
Collaboration or alignment with other local efforts
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Leadership
Leadership and governance strength
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Commitment
Commitment to learning, data, and storytelling
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Impacts
Long-term sustainability and community impact
2026
Funding Opportunities
Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
Pisgah Health Foundation's 2026 Community Health Grant Cycle is open July 1–August 17, 2026. A total of $250,000 is available to support nonprofit organizations serving Transylvania, Haywood, and Madison counties, with grant requests of up to $25,000.
Funding is available for projects, programs, operating support, capacity-building efforts, and other initiatives that address the social determinants of health, strengthen nonprofit capacity, and improve long-term community well-being.
Funding Priorities
✔ Social Determinants of Health
✔ Leadership Development
✔ Collaboration and Community Partnerships
✔ Capacity Building
✔ Community Well-Being
📩 Questions about fit? We’re happy to talk.
Fall 2025
Grant Cycle
Pisgah Health Foundation’s grantmaking is guided by community voice and the health-related needs of residents across Western North Carolina. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, PHF helps strengthen systems of support that expand opportunity, resilience, and well-being for all.
This grant cycle prioritized projects that advance the social determinants of health—the everyday conditions that influence people’s well-being. These include:
Access to quality healthcare
Economic stability and job opportunities
Education and lifelong learning
Affordable housing, transportation, and safe environments
Nutritious food and local food systems
Community connection, volunteerism, and trauma-informed supports
Grant Eligibility
Grantee warrants that the Grantee is (a) a tax-exempt organization that is organized and operated for charitable purposes and recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt public charities under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or is a governmental unit described in Section 170 of the Code, and b) that receipt of this grant will not adversely affect Grantee’s status under the code. Public educational institutions without an IRS determination letter may also be eligible to receive grants.
We support nonprofits located in or serving Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania Counties.
The Pisgah Health Foundation Does Not Fund:
Grants are not awarded to endowments, political causes or candidates, advertising, debt retirement, individuals, or activities/projects completed before funding becomes available.
Grant funds may not be used to promote or engage in criminal acts of violence, terrorism, hate crimes, the destruction of any state, or discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, military and veteran status, disability, sex, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or support of any entity that engages in these activities.
Grant Resources
Pisgah Health Foundation staff is always available to assist with any questions regarding the grants process. Please contact grants@pisgahhealthfoundation.org for assistance. The information below is subject to change at the direction of the Pisgah Health Foundation.
Grant Documents & Resources
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GRANTEE PROGRESS REPORT SUBMISSION
Submit your latest progress report.
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AMENDMENT REQUEST
All grant amendment requests must be submitted through this form.
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GRANT FINAL IMPACT REPORT
Submit your final impact report here.
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SUBMIT YOUR STORY
Who doesn’t love a good, heartfelt story? Submit yours and be featured!
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BUDGET REPORT FORM
Submit your budget report along with this form.
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SAMPLE SITE VISIT QUESTION
Prepare for your site visit with these sample questions.
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PHF BOILERPLATE
The descriptive boilerplate for Pisgah Health Foundation to use for your media.
Grant Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Organizations or collaborative initiatives that do not have their own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status may apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor.
The fiscal sponsor must:
Be an eligible 501(c)(3) organization.
Serve as the official applicant and grant recipient.
Accept responsibility for administering the grant funds and ensuring they are used for the proposed project.
Applications should clearly identify the sponsored project and describe the fiscal sponsorship relationship.
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Yes. An eligible nonprofit serving as a fiscal sponsor may submit an application on behalf of a fiscally sponsored project while also submitting a separate application for its own programs or organizational priorities.
Each application will be reviewed independently and must include a distinct project description, budget, and expected outcomes. Applicants should avoid duplicating expenses or requesting funding for the same activities across multiple proposals.
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Please complete a PHF Amendment Request Form (under resources & documents) and submit to j.heinitsh@pisgahhealthfoundation.org
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We recommend visiting the Dogwood Health Trust Leverage Fund website as a great place to start.
Do you have more questions or want to be added to our email list?
Pisgah Health Foundation staff is always available to assist with any questions regarding the grants process. Please contact us using the form below for assistance. The information is subject to change at the direction of the Pisgah Health Foundation.