The mission of the Wilkes Medical Center Foundation is to provide financial resources to enhance the delivery of quality health care, thereby promoting improved health, individually and collectively, throughout the Foundation’s region. Grants are made annually to qualified organizations providing quality health care, health-related services and health prevention activities. The Foundation has a special interest in providing financial support for community health and wellness programs aligned with the community health assessment.
Grants
At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center, our mission is to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. As the largest provider of uncompensated care in the region, we take our responsibility seriously to care for all and we’re proud to play a significant role in contributing to the health of our community.
Community investments through the Wilkes Medical Center Foundation Grant Programs will:
- Create mutually beneficial partnerships that extend our mission
- Align resources with community priorities
- Strengthen our community commitment and support the culture of those we serve
- Impact identified community health needs and improve access to care
- Provide accurate accounting and transparency for our community investments
Application Guidelines
If you meet all of the guidelines and organization requirements below, we invite you to submit your application.
We consider community investments that:
- Enhance the delivery of quality health care and promote improved health care throughout the region
- Align with the Wilkes County Community Health Needs Assessment* with priority given to projects that address the 2022-2025 priorities:
- Obesity and Chronic Disease
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Access to Care
- Tobacco and Smoking
More information about these priorities, including health indicators, specific at-risk populations and local health resources can be found in the CHNA Priorities Summary.
* The Foundation may authorize funding to projects that don’t meet this guideline under extreme circumstances
Organization Requirements
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following requirements:
- Organization has a valid 501(c)(3) tax status. If the program is serving the community or has a charitable purpose, we also consider investments for organizations that have a valid tax status of 501(c)4, 501c6, 501c8, 501c10, or 501c19. Eligible organizations include:
- Organization serves clients within Wilkes County, the geographic areas that Wilkes Medical Center serves and/or areas of anticipated growth.
Exclusions
The Wilkes Medical Center Foundation does not fund:
- Organizations that discriminate or deny service on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability or source of payment
- Individuals or individual fundraising efforts
- Political campaigns or parties
- Religious organizations (churches/synagogues). Certain community service programs supported by religious programs may be eligible (e.g., soup kitchens, homeless shelters, job banks).
- Fundraising events such as golf events/tournaments, walks and/or runs
How to Apply
2025 Community Health Grants:
Applications for the 2025 Community Health Grants are currently NOT being accepted.
2025 Health Impact Grants:
- Multi-faceted, collaborative projects that aim to achieve significant impact in a specific area (move the needle) are encouraged
- Letter of Interest (LOI) must be submitted
- Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued by invitation only
- Funding requests are accepted once per calendar year
- Multi-year funding is considered
- Funding is typically >$100,000 per award
Application instructions and deadlines:
Letters of Interest (LOI) will be accepted through May 31, 2025; please email to WMCFoundation@wakehealth.edu. Invitations to submit a full proposal will be made by July 1 (deadline to submit August 31). Funding decisions and notice of awards will be made by September 30. Funds will be awarded in October.
Please direct all questions and requests for more information to:
Michelle Caldwell
Director, Network Philanthropy
Philanthropy and Alumni Relations
PO Box 571021 Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Mobile: 336-416-4859 (preferred) \ Office: 336-713-1626
miccaldw@wakehealth.edu