CAREs Flexible Funding Program

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson CAREs Flexible Funding initiative provides unrestricted support to nonprofit organizations operating in Wilson, North Carolina. This program recognizes the essential work of local nonprofits that exhibit CARE—Compassion, Assistance, Responsiveness, and Engagement—in the delivery of services aligned with the foundation’s four primary focus areas: access to healthcare, active living and healthy eating, alcohol and substance misuse prevention, and behavioral or mental health. Unlike program-specific grants, CAREs Flexible Funding offers up to $5,000 in general operating support to help nonprofits strengthen internal operations, build sustainability, and enhance organizational infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to, staff or leadership development, technology purchases, communication and marketing tools, and operational systems such as human resources, accounting, or CRM software. Funds must not be used for programming, capital campaigns, fundraising events, debt reduction, lobbying, or other excluded purposes outlined in the funding considerations. The foundation explicitly prohibits requests that act as pass-through funding for other entities or those involving political activities. Eligibility for the CAREs grant is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Governmental institutions and schools are not eligible. Applicants must provide proof of IRS tax-exempt status via their determination letter and must have filed Form 990 or 990-N consistently each year. Preference is given to organizations with a history of receiving HFW grants, though new applicants are welcomed. All applications must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the foundation's four priority areas and present a clear, focused request that directly supports the nonprofit's internal capacity or sustainability. The application window for this funding opportunity is open from September 15 to October 17. All applications must be submitted during this timeframe. Successful applicants will be notified of awards by December 5. Contracts must be completed between December 8 and December 11, and all funds will be disbursed no later than December 17. The grant cycle window during which funds are to be used spans from January 1 to June 30. Organizations applying should be aware that receiving this funding requires entering into a grant agreement that acknowledges their charitable status and agrees to use funds as described in the application. The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson retains discretion over the number of disbursements and final grant amounts. For questions, applicants may contact the foundation at (252) 281-2105 or via email at pbenson@hfwilson.org.

Avoid programming-related expenses. Focus request on operations, leadership development, and capacity-building tools. Ensure eligibility documentation is current.