Fall 2026 Grant Cycle

Geographic Scope: Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania Counties, North Carolina

Mission: The Pisgah Health Foundation invests in nonprofit partners and community solutions that strengthen the conditions shaping health and wellbeing across Western North Carolina. Funding is grounded in the understanding that health is influenced by housing, food access, economic stability, education, and social connection — not just healthcare.

Focus Areas

This grant cycle prioritizes projects that advance the social determinants of health, including:

• 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

Investment Approach

PHF provides grants, program-related investments (PRI), and partnership alignment to support:

• Organizational stability and leadership capacity
• Community-driven solutions
• Efforts addressing social determinants of health
• Collaboration and shared work across organizations
• Leadership development and nonprofit resilience
• Community-informed strategies and lived experience

What PHF Looks For

Strong proposals demonstrate: 1. Social Determinant: Clear connection to community wellbeing and addressing at least one social determinant of health 2. Collaborative Energy: Collaboration or alignment with other local efforts 3. Leadership: Leadership and governance strength 4. Commitment: Commitment to learning, data, and storytelling 5. Impacts: Long-term sustainability and community impact

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

• Tax-exempt organizations organized and operated for charitable purposes
• Recognized by IRS as tax-exempt public charities under Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
• Governmental units described in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code
• Public educational institutions without an IRS determination letter may also be eligible
• Organizations located in or serving Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania Counties

What PHF Does NOT Fund:

• Endowments or capital campaigns
• Political causes or candidates
• Advertising
• Debt retirement
• Individuals
• 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, destruction of any state, or discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, military and veteran status, disability, sex, age, gender identity or sexual orientation
• Support of entities engaging in discriminatory activities

Contact Information

Office Address: 67 W. Main Street, Brevard, NC 28712

Mailing Address: PO Box 2440, Brevard, NC 28712

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: September 1, 2026
• Deadline: October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
• Info Session: Mid-way through the grant cycle

Application Process

Required Materials:

Complete grant application form

Articles of Incorporation

Bylaws

List of funders in previous year

Previous year federal tax return (990 or other applicable forms)

Current year Organizational Operating Budget

Budget with narrative for proposed Program or Project

Verification of Tax-Exempt Status

List of current Board of Directors

Timeline:

Applications open September 1, 2026

Deadline: October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Info session held mid-way through the grant cycle

Completed applications will be reviewed within 45 days of receipt

Review Process:
All proposals are reviewed by Foundation staff and assessed based on:

Alignment with the Foundation's funding goals and objectives

Organization's capacity to carry out the expected activities

How effectively the proposed project/activity can address an expressed health and well-being need in the community

The likelihood of achieving measurable, positive impact

Description regarding how the organization will measure its success in achieving its goals

The sustainability plan for the program/project beyond immediate funding

Decision and Notification:

Completed applications will be presented to the Grant Review Team

Once a decision is made by the PHF Grant Review Team and approved by the PHF Board of Directors, all applicants will be notified by phone and/or email

All funding decisions are final

Grant Agreement and Reporting Requirements:
Organizations selected to receive a grant must agree to:

Sign a Grant Acceptance Contract

Establish Performance Milestones (funds provided based on milestone movement)

Submit Progress Reports (outcome-based reports on a schedule agreed upon by grantee and PHF, including amount expended, numbers served, and other metrics)

Submit Final Impact Report (record of successes, challenges, monies spent, and minimum of 2 testimonials/success stories)

Funding Disbursement:
Once approved, disbursement of funds will be made based on a milestones scale discussed and agreed upon with the organization and the Foundation. Funds must be used only within the terms and conditions agreed upon. Any funds not used or committed within the specified time limit must be returned to the Foundation.