Seeking Submissions: Nantahala Health Foundation

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: Whats News

Nantahala Health Foundation, a public nonprofit with a mission to improve health and wellness outcomes in Jackson and Macon counties and four other Western North Carolina counties, will open its two signature grant programs on April 4 for proposal submissions.

This year marks the third request for proposals for the Needs Immediately Met (NIMble) and Collaborative Health Innovation Program (CHIP) grant cycles.  

This year NIMble grants of up to $5,000 per organization will be offered on a rolling-decision basis, meaning NHF will accept applications and make awards to projects that met NIMble requirements until funding allocated to this program is exhausted. While this year’s total NIMble investment remains somewhat flexible, it will likely be around $125,000.

NIMble grants are designed to support one-time critical purchases, immediate needs for stabilization or crisis response, or small-scale projects that address health and well-being for those facing disparities or inequities. Grantees should have high confidence in their ability to complete their projects within 12 months.

“If an organization is considering a large-scale project and has the ability to wait until November for funding, they may want to consider applying for our Collaborative Health Innovation Program (CHIP), which is also open for review,” said Nantahala Health Foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey.

While the major difference between NIMble and CHIP has always been the dollar amount available per organization (CHIP’s cap is $50,000), this year’s CHIP hopefuls will be asked to complete pre-qualifying questions, host a site visit, and clearly demonstrate how they and their collaborators will implement a problem-solving project to improve health and wellness outcomes for underserved individuals living in the Nantahala Health Foundation region.

“Because our CHIP grant program represents the largest potential for investments and since COVID restrictions are being relaxed, it was important to us to further ensure our limited grant funds are making the biggest impact possible,” Bailey said. “This new series of eligibility steps will help us learn more about the needs facing our region and the organizations working to address these needs. When we make our final award decisions in October, we should have complete clarity about how our grantees’ problem-solving projects will improve health and well-being outcomes for individuals facing disparities or inequities in our region.”

CHIP grantees and their collaborators will have up to two years to complete their projects and achieve their goals.

Eligibility for funding from these two programs will remain the same as in years past, with an emphasis placed on Nantahala Health Foundation’s approach to improving the health and well-being for all in WNC. 

Organizational eligibility includes those with nonprofit status, including faith-based organizations, and units of government, including public school systems and the Eastern Band of Cherokee. Supporting local organizations that address the social drivers of health will remain a Foundation constant.

Visit NHF’s website at NantahalaHealthFoundation.org to learn more and submit grant proposals.