Dogwood Health Trust announces a special funding opportunity focused on improving the health and wellbeing of older adults (ages 60+) in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina. Dogwood seeks grant proposals from organizations that support or expand opportunities for low- to moderate-income older adults and those who care for them.
The grant application will open on Dogwood’s website July 7, 2025, with submissions due by 5 p.m. ET on Aug. 4, 2025. Organizations interested in learning more are encouraged to attend an informational session on Wednesday, June 25, from 2-2:30 p.m.
“Like many communities across our country, the population here in Western North Carolina is aging with nearly one in five adults over the age of 65,” said Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “Hurricane Helene exposed and intensified existing challenges for older adults, their families, their caregivers and the organizations that serve them. Meeting basic needs, housing concerns, and isolation and mental health needs have only grown in the aftermath of the storm,” added Mims. “We hope this funding opportunity will support the many leaders and organizations working to serve the older adults who enrich our communities every day.”
Applicants can apply for one of two funding opportunities: (1) general operating support or (2) programmatic or project support over a two-year period. Grant sizes will range from $50,000 to $150,000 and will depend on the applicant organization’s capacity, geographic scope and strength of proposal.
General Operating Support
Grants for general operating support will provide support for advancing an organization’s core mission. Interested organizations should have a mission focused on serving the needs of low- to moderate-income adults 60+ and those who care for them. 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities of all sizes are eligible to apply.
Programmatic or Project Support
Programmatic or project-specific grant support will be provided to organizations serving the needs of low- to moderate-income older adults (ages 60+) and those who care for them. This grant opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charities, government and governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and colleges and universities.
Eligible entities applying for either type of grant funding must serve the Qualla Boundary and 18 counties of Western North Carolina but do not need to be physically located in the region.
All organizations receiving grants will become part of Dogwood’s Older Adult Collaborative, focusing on network-building, peer-learning, collaborative resource development and sharing, policy, systems, and environmental change strategy planning. Health Resources in Action will lead the collaborative on behalf of Dogwood.
Applications for this RFP will be accepted between July 7 and Aug. 4, 2025. Grant notifications will occur from September to October 2025. Dogwood is offering an informational session to interested organizations on June 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Registration is available here. Additional details about this RFP and FAQs are available at www.dht.org.
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About Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of all people and communities in the Qualla Boundary and the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellbeing, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit www.dht.org.
