March 18, 2025
Continuing our focus on removing barriers for at-risk youth and young adults struggling to reach their full potential, Nantahala Health Foundation will begin accepting grant pre-proposals on April 7 for funding to be awarded by the end of October.
“Far too many young people in Western North Carolina face overwhelming challenges that significantly impact their futures,” said NHF Board Chair Roger Plemens. “Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, limited educational opportunities, economic instability, and disengaged communities create roadblocks that prevent these youth from realizing their full potential.”
After hearing from youth development experts and researching solutions, our Board of Directors committed in 2024 to focusing our investments in programs that address support for youth and young adults, specifically those aged 5 – 24.
Our board recognized the challenges many young people still face, said Executive Director Lori Baily. Growing up in environments with limited opportunities and high poverty rates, their families and caregivers struggle to meet basic needs, hindering their ability to reach their full potential.
“When quality healthcare, particularly mental health services, is inaccessible to many due to costs, transportation barriers, and a shortage of providers, individuals fail to thrive, and their health suffers,” Bailey said. “When schools lack the resources to offer the comprehensive education required to compete in today’s world, futures can look bleak. Economic instability forces many young people to delay or even abandon their dreams in order to help support their families. A lack of community engagement and mentorship leaves these vulnerable youth to navigate hardships alone.”
Children growing up in struggling households face challenges that affect their future health and well-being. Without adequate support, they may encounter educational, employment, and societal barriers that hinder their ability to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities, said Plemens. Without intervention, these young people risk higher rates of dropping out of school, substance abuse, and mental health issues, diminishing their potential contributions to the regional economy, he said.
“Investing in youth support programs is far more cost-effective than dealing with long-term consequences,” said Plemens. “Neglecting these children and young adults isn’t just a moral failure—it’s an economic and social challenge with profound and lasting repercussions.”
Thankfully, change is achievable, he said. Organizations with aligning interests are invited to apply for up to $50,000 to fund successful existing or innovative solutions to issues facing at-risk youth. Organizations with projects that are particularly innovative or embrace a regional approach are encouraged to consider higher requests, up to $100,000, Plemens said.
“When youth receive the appropriate support, their outcomes are transformative. Access to nutritious food, healthcare, and mental health services results in healthier, more resilient young people,” he said.
Our Foundation is looking to partner with faith-based, nonprofit, and governmental agencies with a proven track record of providing these types of services, as well as those working to bolster educational opportunities — including early childhood programs, after-school support, and initiatives for college or career readiness – and economic stability, including job training, financial literacy education, and employment opportunities. Community engagement programs, mentorship, and leadership initiatives to help young people feel connected, valued, and empowered to give back will also be considered, said Bailey.
We will offer three information sessions across our service area for staff to share details with agency grant writers about NHF’s Youth and Young Adult priority, as well as specifics about the grant cycle and timeline. Those planning to attend are asked to make reservations on their website at NantahalaHealthFoundation.org/grantmaking
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working since 2019 as a regional catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation seeks to partner with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to improve health and wellness outcomes for all.
By addressing the root causes of health inequities and removing barriers to accessing quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, the Foundation’s impact is broadly felt in its partnerships with regional change-makers. The Foundation has awarded more than $3.9 million in support to some 199 programs supporting projects totaling a financial investment of more than $15 million throughout the region. Through grant writing, connecting organizations with funding partners, supporting grant administration, etc. our efforts have further helped secure over $7 million in additional funding for initiatives that enhance well-being and community vitality.
Additionally, the foundation has invested more than $192,000 in building the capacity of regional leaders, equipping them to collaborate effectively with others and to grow the people they serve, resulting in a richer, more inclusive, connected, and thriving community. Those wishing to support the Foundation’s work may do so by visiting their website at NantahalaHealthFoundation.org.