Highlands, NC — February, 2026 — The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is excited to announce that its next grant cycle will be opening soon, continuing its mission of supporting transformative and lasting health solutions throughout western North Carolina.

Through its grantmaking, the Health Foundation partners with organizations whose work advances community health and strengthens local well-being. Grants remain one of the Foundation’s most impactful tools for driving meaningful change, supporting innovative projects and collaborative efforts that address pressing health needs.

The Foundation encourages both returning grantees and new applicants to begin thinking about potential projects and partnerships that align with the organization’s strategic priorities. These focus areas include:

• Access to Primary Care — expanding access and removing barriers to essential healthcare services
• Access to Behavioral Health — improving availability of mental health and substance use resources
• Well-being of Infants, Children, and Adolescents — supporting programs that address trauma, delinquency, abuse prevention, early childhood education, and developmental programs

“Our partnerships are at the heart of how we work to improve health and well-being in our region,” said Myrle Grate, Executive Director. “We look forward to collaborating with organizations that bring innovative ideas, shared vision, and a commitment to meaningful community impact.”

In recent years, grant recipients have represented a diverse group of community organizations working to deliver critical services and innovative health solutions. The Foundation remains committed to supporting projects that offer fresh perspectives and lasting outcomes.

How to Apply

The pre-application process opens March 24 and closes April 24. Organizations will apply online at the Health Foundation’s website, highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org. Those interested in applying are encouraged to stay connected and watch for updates.

About Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

The Health Foundation began in 2019 as the successor to the Highlands Cashiers Hospital Foundation. Since our inception, we’ve sought to address the unique health care challenges in our rural communities, which include a shortage of healthcare professionals, a seasonal economy, and a significant number of uninsured individuals. We’ve pressed towards our goal to lift health and well-being for the six most western counties in North Carolina to include the Plateau by supporting a host of initiatives and health care grants. We are proud to serve our treasured mountain communities, and we invite you to join us in lifting health and well-being, together.