Beyond the natural beauty and close-knit communities of Western North Carolina, many of our neighbors face serious barriers to living healthy lives.
For some, the nearest healthcare provider is miles away. Others are searching for mental health services, dependable transportation, or affordable care for their children. Geographic isolation, workforce shortages, rising costs, and limited local resources can make even the most basic support difficult to access.
These challenges may not always be visible, but they are present throughout our communities.
At Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, we believe where someone lives should not determine whether they can receive the care and support they need. Through strategic grantmaking, collaboration, and partnerships with trusted nonprofit organizations, the Foundation works to strengthen the systems that help people across Western North Carolina live healthier lives.
So far this year, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million through grants to 31 organizations serving Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. These investments support work aligned with the Foundation’s key priorities, including access to primary care, behavioral health, and the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.
Behind every grant is a deeply human story.
It may be a child receiving counseling after experiencing trauma, a senior gaining access to medical care, or a patient receiving essential healthcare closer to home. Each grant application represents people, families, and communities working toward a healthier future.
This work is possible because of the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in caring for their neighbors. Support from organizations and events including the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, Wade Hampton Golf Club, and the Bob Jones Invitational at Highlands Country Club helps the Foundation respond to local needs and invest in solutions with lasting impact.
As we prepare for the 2027 grant cycle, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation remains committed to listening closely, responding thoughtfully, and supporting organizations with firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve.
The 2027 grant cycle will open on February 8, earlier than usual, and will introduce a simplified, one-step application process. Eligible organizations will have 45 days to apply, offering more time and a more straightforward path to request funding for programs that strengthen health and well-being across our region.
The need across our region is significant, but so is the opportunity before us.
Together, we can help ensure that more children grow up healthy, more families receive support when they need it, and more people throughout Western North Carolina have access to the resources required to thrive.
To learn more about Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, the upcoming grant cycle, or ways to support this work, visit highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org.
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