COVID-19 Impact Recovery Fund

Program Name: COVID-19 Impact Recovery Fund

Launched in April 2020 by Nantahala Health Foundation to match charitable donations dollar for dollar (up to $100,000) and better position the region to prepare for a post-COVID future. This was designed to grow foundation resources and support organizations in responding to pandemic-related challenges.

Funding Details

• Structure: Matching fund for community donations
• Match Amount: Dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000
• Status: One-time emergency fund (launched April 2020)
• Funds Raised: Nearly $50,000 by July 2020; over $80,000 by January 2021

Geographic Scope

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina

Purpose

• Match charitable donations to grow foundation resources
• Support quick response to meet partners' most crucial needs
• Help organizations prepare for post-COVID future
• Address anticipated effects on education systems, workforce, and local economies
• Sustain response over duration of recovery period

Focus Areas

• Healthcare system pressures
• Education system support
• Workforce development
• Local economic recovery
• COVID-19 impact relief (integrated into NIMble and CHIP programs)

Related Initiatives

• Partnership with Dogwood Health Trust and other Mission Health System legacy foundations to source and distribute personal protective equipment
• Partnership with United Way of Buncombe County and State of Franklin to distribute face coverings
• Partnership with Community Foundation of WNC to establish Emergency Disaster Response Fund

Support Mechanism

This is a matching fund for community donations rather than a traditional grant program.

How It Works

1. Community members and organizations make charitable donations
2. Nantahala Health Foundation matches donations dollar-for-dollar
3. Matched funds are used to support regional organizations addressing COVID-19 impacts
4. Grants awarded through NIMble and CHIP programs with special COVID-19 priority areas

To Contribute

• Visit: nantahalahealthfoundation.org
• Phone: 828.634.1527
• Mail: 1547 Highlands Rd. Franklin, NC 28734
• Social Media: Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates

Funding Timeline

• Fund launched: April 2020
• Nearly $50,000 raised: July 2020
• Over $80,000 raised: January 2021

Note

While this was a one-time emergency fund, COVID-19 was subsequently added as a special interest priority area for NIMble and CHIP grant programs announced in 2020.