Grants to Improve Health and Wellness of People in North Carolina

The RHI Legacy Foundation is a private organization dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of residents in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The foundation supports a range of programs and services through grant funding with the overarching goal of fostering a healthier community. Its mission aligns closely with addressing chronic disease prevention and management, promoting healthy eating, and encouraging active living among the population. The purpose of the 2025 RHI Legacy Foundation Grants is to support programs, projects, and services that advance the foundation’s mission within the county. Specifically, the foundation seeks to fund initiatives that prevent chronic diseases, offer screenings for early detection, and improve health outcomes for individuals already affected by chronic conditions. Additionally, projects that increase access to healthy foods and promote active lifestyles are also within the scope of funding. The foundation emphasizes measurable community benefits and sustainability of funded programs beyond the grant period. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized exempt organizations. The proposed projects must directly benefit residents of Rutherford County and align with at least one of the foundation’s focus areas. Applications should include a clear sustainability plan, approval from the organization’s governing body, and recent financial statements. Proposals are expected to exemplify the foundation’s mission and values, and a plan for continued impact is highly encouraged. The application process for the 2025 grant cycle opens on June 11, 2025. Interested organizations can access and complete the online application via the foundation’s website. Applicants are advised to save and submit their applications by the final deadline of July 31, 2025. Those without internet access may contact the foundation’s office at 828-202-4630 for assistance. Grant decisions will be communicated by mid-September, and checks along with reporting forms will be distributed in early October to successful applicants. Funding is intended to address capital needs, support community-need-driven programs or services, and build organizational capacity for long-term sustainability. The foundation also anticipates limited availability for large project funding in 2025 due to significant investments in the Legacy Soccer Park during 2024 and 2025. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with the foundation staff prior to submission for guidance. Throughout the grant period, the foundation maintains active communication with funded organizations, including site visits and promotional support via social media unless an opt-out request is submitted. The contact person for grant inquiries is Jill Miracle, reachable by phone at 828-202-4630. The foundation’s mailing address is PO Box 352, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.