OVERVIEW: This mental health funder supports the seven western counties of North Carolina. Top priority ares include residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, or substance abuse problems.
FUNDING AREAS: mental health, disabilities, behavioral health, substance abuse
IP TAKE: This funder takes a broad approach to mental health needs in western North Carolina. Nearly any aspect of mental health support could be considered here, with the right approach.
PROFILE: The Evergreen Foundation is based in Waynesville, North Carolina and seeks to improve “the lives of those who have Mental Health, Developmental Delay, or Substance Abuse issues.” It was established in 1977 by the Board of Smoky Mountain Mental Health as a not-for-profit company.
Within the realm of mental health, this foundation prioritizes infrastructure for the private provider service network, start-up and service provision grants and scholarships to build the provider network. It also funds public awareness and education campaigns, as well as advocacy efforts on behalf of consumers and the provider network. In the past, it has prioritized evidence-based programs for suicide prevention and prescription drug overdose prevention.
The geographic focus of this funder is Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in North Carolina. These are the seven western counties of the state, and they have always been in focus for Evergreen. In a recent year, the foundation had over $21 million in assets.
The Evergreen foundation considers new grant applications four times per year, at the end of each quarter in June, September, December, and March. It typically gives out 25 to 30 grants per year, ranging in size from $5,000 to $30,000. However, some larger grants are awarded occasionally as well. Past grantees include Meridian Behavioral Health Services, Jackson County Psychological Services, The ARC of Haywood County, Appalachian Community Services, Webster Enterprises, and Southwestern Child Development.
Grant seekers can download the grant application on the funder’s website and submit it by email or mail. All applicants receive a letter from the foundation about its funding decision.
In the past, this funder has hosted grant information workshops in the various counties it serves. Events are typically posted on a calendar on the funder’s website. Grant seekers can learn more about the issues that Evergreen supports by browsing the articles posted on its site. Past topics of interest have included youth shelters, depression, forensic interview training, and autism.
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