policy & advocacy

Dogwood’s purpose is to dramatically improve the health and wellbeing of all people and communities in the 18 counties and Qualla Boundary of Western North Carolina. While we fund projects and collaborations that focus on community equity and increase access to housing, education, economic opportunity and health & wellness, we also know that realizing our purpose requires examining the underlying causes of disparate health outcomes in our region. Such examination often reveals public policies that do not serve the people of Western North Carolina who are experiencing the most challenges to improving their health and wellbeing.

Like other foundations, Dogwood’s policy and advocacy work will utilize various strategies, one of which is grantmaking to statewide and local advocacy organizations. We fund policy education, organizing, communications, convening, coalition building, and data collection, analysis and research.