Continuing their 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, Nantahala Health Foundation’s Board of Directors committed in 2024 to focusing their investments on programs that address support for youth and young adults, specifically those aged 5 – 24.
Their 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 could require more than $50,000 to be successful are encouraged to make their case within the application.
“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.
The 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.
NHF has planned three information sessions across its 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 HERE.
Learn more about the NHF HERE.