https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/gran...

Private

Yes

Yes

Open

One time

Dogwood Health Trust

Grant

Fixed

Single

• May 18, 2026

12 or 24 months depending on the scope and timeline of proposed work

• Charter schools
• Institutions of higher education
• Local school administrative units
• Nonprofits
• Units of local government

• Long-term Recovery

Funding must be used for clearly defined internal development efforts. Eligible activities include:

• Strategic planning and/or other planning efforts
• Staff, leadership or board development
• Operational improvements such as HR, finance or IT systems
• Community engagement or increasing access to programs/services
• Policy and advocacy efforts
• Resource or funding development
• Learning and evaluation
• Communications and/or marketing

Average grant awards typically range from $15,000 to $30,000. Applicants may request a minimum of $10,000 and up to $50,000. Funds are generally paid within a 12-month period, and proposed projects may span 12 to 24 months depending on the scope and timeline of the work.

Funding priority: All eligible organizations are welcome to apply. For this cycle, Dogwood expects to prioritize funding for small and mid-sized organizations, particularly those with annual operating budgets under $500,000. We are especially interested in supporting community-based organizations that are deeply connected to and led by the communities they serve. Who is eligible to apply: Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities serving the Qualla Boundary and/or the 18 counties of Western North Carolina; fiscally sponsored organizations; government, quasi and nongovernmental organizations; faith-based organizations; or K-12 schools, colleges and universities. Please refer to our FAQs for a comprehensive list of the 18 qualifying counties. Eligible organizations should have an annual operating budget of at least $50,000. Dogwood typically does not fund more than 25% of an organization’s annual operating budget within a single year.

Who and what is not eligible: This funding opportunity is intended to support organizations seeking to strengthen their own internal capacity. Requests to provide capacity-building services, consulting or technical assistance to other organizations are not eligible for funding. Requests for program delivery or expansion of programs are not eligible for funding. Requests for staffing are generally not supported through this opportunity. In limited cases, staffing requests may be considered if the role is directly tied to one of the eligible capacity-building activities listed above and includes a clear plan for how the position or responsibilities will be sustained after the grant period. General staffing support is not eligible. Organizations that do not have an established presence in or ongoing work serving the Qualla Boundary or the 18 counties of Western North Carolina are not eligible. Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible. Current Dogwood grantees with active capacity building grants may not apply

$10,000

$50,000

Criteria and Review Factors: We support organizations whose work aligns with our Purpose, Values and Guiding Principles and Commitment to Equity. We are interested in organizations whose work, approach and presence in the region reflect a strong fit with Dogwood’s long-term vision. We also consider the broader context, including community needs, the organization’s role within the local ecosystem and what we have already committed to in the region. Proposals will be reviewed based on the following factors: Clear purpose for strengthening organizational capacity Applicants should clearly identify the area of organizational capacity they want to strengthen and explain why it matters for their effectiveness. Proposals should describe a focused effort to improve internal March 23, 2026 practices, leadership, governance, planning or operational systems that support the organization’s mission. Connection to mission and community impact Organizations should demonstrate how strengthening their internal capacity will help them carry out their mission and core work more effectively and support work related to affordable housing, education, economic opportunity or health & wellness in Western North Carolina. Community-based leadership and relationships We are especially interested in organizations that are rooted in and accountable to the communities they serve. Strong applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of who they serve and maintain meaningful relationships with community members, partners or stakeholders. Intentional progress and readiness to learn Applicants should demonstrate readiness to undertake the proposed organizational strengthening effort and a clear understanding of what they hope to improve or change through the process. Strong proposals show a willingness to learn, reflect and strengthen organizational practices over time. Contribution to regional wellbeing We are interested in organizations that demonstrate how their work contributes to a Western North Carolina where people and communities can live, learn, earn and thrive with dignity and opportunity. Strong applicants show a meaningful connection between their mission, the communities they serve and broader efforts to improve wellbeing in the region. Established presence in Western North Carolina Organizations should demonstrate an established presence and ongoing work serving the 18-county region of Western North Carolina and/or the Qualla Boundary. Organizations headquartered outside the region may apply if they have a sustained presence and track record of work in the region.