Our Approach

How We Fund

Our funding strategy is built on three key principles:

Focused Giving – Each year, we select a specific priority area that reflects the most pressing needs and opportunities in Western North Carolina. This ensures that our funding is targeted, impactful, and responsive to the evolving landscape of our region.

Strategic Partnerships – We collaborate with trusted nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and subject-matter experts to identify initiatives that have the potential to drive transformative change.

Sustainable Impact – Our goal is to fund projects that strengthen communities in lasting ways—whether through direct support, capacity building, or innovative pilot programs that can scale over time.

Our Focus Areas

Each year, we dedicate our resources to a specific funding priority that aligns with our mission to elevate regional nonprofits and strengthen Western North Carolina. While these priorities may shift annually, they are always centered around:

Community Well-Being – Supporting initiatives that improve health, housing, economic opportunity, and social services for residents.

Environmental Stewardship – Investing in efforts that protect natural resources, promote sustainability, and mitigate climate-related challenges in the region.

Innovative Solutions – Championing forward-thinking approaches that address systemic challenges, expand access to opportunity, and drive equity.

How We Identify Grantees

Since we do not accept unsolicited applications, we take a relationship-driven approach to identifying grantees. Our team actively engages with regional nonprofits, local leaders, and philanthropic networks to understand where funding can make the greatest difference. Organizations may be invited to submit proposals based on their alignment with our annual priorities.

If you’re an organization doing impactful work in Western North Carolina, we encourage you to stay connected by signing up for updates and attending our community engagement events.