Pisgah Health Foundation Opens 2026 Community Health Grant Cycle July 1
Pisgah Health Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 Community Health Grant Cycle. Applications will be accepted from July 1 through August 17, 2026, for nonprofit organizations working to improve health and well-being in Transylvania, Haywood, and Madison counties.
Pisgah Health seeks to invest in initiatives that address the factors shaping health outcomes, strengthen the nonprofit sector, and foster healthier, more connected communities. Eligible organizations may be located within the three-county region or serve residents of one or more of these counties.
"Healthy communities are built through strong partnerships and strategic investments," said Cara Bradshaw, Executive Director of Pisgah Health Foundation. "We are excited to support organizations that are addressing community needs, strengthening local capacity, and working collaboratively to improve health outcomes across our region."
Grant Cycle at a Glance
Application Period: July 1 – August 18, 2026
Available Funding: $250,000
Maximum Request: $25,000 per organization
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations serving residents of Transylvania, Haywood, and/or Madison counties
Funding Priorities
✔ Social Determinants of Health
✔ Leadership Development
✔ Collaboration and Community Partnerships
✔ Capacity Building
✔ Community Well-Being
Frequently Asked Questions
Can organizations that received funding last year apply again?
Yes. Organizations that received funding through a previous PHF grant cycle are eligible to apply and will be considered alongside all other applicants.
Can organizations without 501(c)(3) status apply for funding?
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.
Can a fiscal sponsor submit more than one application?
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.
What is the maximum grant request?
Organizations may request up to $25,000.
Can we apply for operating support, capacity-building initiatives, or capital projects?
Yes. PHF trusts our community partners to identify and articulate their most pressing needs. Organizations may apply for operating support, capacity-building efforts, capital improvements, equipment, or programmatic initiatives, provided the request aligns with the Foundation's funding priorities and advances community health and well-being.
How is the decision on funding made?
A Grants Committee comprised of Board members and community representatives reviews each application using a scoring rubric aligned with Pisgah Health Foundation's funding priorities. Funding recommendations consider community impact, organizational capacity, geographic distribution, and emerging or urgent community needs. The Pisgah Health Foundation Board will vote on the Grant Committee’s recommendations.
When will we be notified of the decision?
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by late October or early November to support planning for the 2027 budget year. Funding recommendations are subject to final approval by the Pisgah Health Foundation Board of Directors.
