--- title: "Dogwood Health Trust Announces Economic Opportunity Request For Proposals - Dogwood Health Trust" canonicalUrl: "https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-announces-economic-opportunity-request-for-proposals/" excerpt: "Grants to CDFIs and non-traditional lenders will support their ability to provide capital to under-served entrepreneurs. Asheville, N.C. – Dogwood Health Trust has announced a new request for proposals from non-profit, non-traditional small business lenders, such as Community Development Financial Institutions, revolving loan funds, Economic Development Corporations, and similar lenders that serve the 18 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The application will be posted on March 28 and responses are due by 5:00 pm on May 16, 2022. Award notifications will be made by the end of July 2022 with funds being distributed in September 2022. Organizations that wish to […]" metaDescription: "Grants to CDFIs and non-traditional lenders will support their ability to provide capital to under-served entrepreneurs. Asheville, N.C. – Dogwood" datePublished: "2022-03-16T14:34:13-04:00" dateModified: "2023-01-03T19:59:44-05:00" --- - Dogwood Health Trust Announces Economic Opportunity Request For Proposals - Dogwood Health Trust ** # Dogwood Health Trust Announces Economic Opportunity Request For Proposals Share This Article ** ** ** ** ** [** March 16, 2022](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/2022/03/16/) ## *Grants to CDFIs and non-traditional lenders will support their ability to provide capital to under-served entrepreneurs*. Asheville, N.C. –** [Dogwood Health Trust](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=t3VmCNFZzn63ccSwNE-2F3iCxM8pSegvOf11edH5woneY3oXD2fidFbI-2BLECRhh7ykByq2_HONMHSOfGd7iCTj7AaEjfhKpGKoj29qSxihGWeJXFETEKDuYHGPrX5BjtUxG71-2B9y9xvVNgF-2F9LYymIh2ByFJ0o6vWZ2UUJ6Z492VusRn7fEEbw4bqEmB066MU9spCvhszGB4ffdc3hC-2Fk04uLry2Gbmpxw5woYMBMqWh1oV-2F-2BLqezHwCl4zzIVMEAwePYmkD9R43XxJhftK2a8z7orpUO-2F7sr02gCx74wPyZXxbGht73A8w6LU43qNJ-2BasgEqpK-2FO1swi8AW2i-2FKo8ql3jJMrxoSiS34RIqtD84ReziI-2BwuwEEKQJWYv4eCXbWcJ4znsHWRO7Ntm-2BxZusDgHm0ErCBAp0TiBwlfb3wir1uwcONkvau4jhiz0Z-2FuXzIVs14HL5IZel-2Fke0ECecfuvxaEBA-3D-3D) has announced a new request for proposals from non-profit, non-traditional small business lenders, such as Community Development Financial Institutions, revolving loan funds, Economic Development Corporations, and similar lenders that serve the 18 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The application will be posted on March 28 and responses are due by 5:00 pm on May 16, 2022. Award notifications will be made by the end of July 2022 with funds being distributed in September 2022. Organizations that wish to learn more or apply are encouraged to attend one of two virtual information sessions: March 29 and April 20, both at 12:00 pm. To register, visit Dogwood’s [Economic Opportunity webpage](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=s6HQHPgMKgZSFMCVsxq6vHhWjHcLMgtMqTWnftwOYAza5PJsfuSdaKvdzGY-2FxMVjN8vRcyk9-2BtSONf-2BcFcAhWkuBUHAZyYfyDHl0K1qrOJs-3DxfWh_HONMHSOfGd7iCTj7AaEjfhKpGKoj29qSxihGWeJXFETEKDuYHGPrX5BjtUxG71-2B9y9xvVNgF-2F9LYymIh2ByFJ0o6vWZ2UUJ6Z492VusRn7fEEbw4bqEmB066MU9spCvhszGB4ffdc3hC-2Fk04uLry2Gbmpxw5woYMBMqWh1oV-2F-2BLqezHwCl4zzIVMEAwePYmkD9R43XxJhftK2a8z7orpUL2VGoKGEdtSNvFIuStgXm0H0mpmV2AJ1YcJeZLY5hiEs6V5FvaAxDO50VoIJCFNXbERnLwx-2FRkqUwsZi-2BB3O4DyOoqhPGchOrys4v6uovP78s5bPb-2FadBB3uYfXddEyZZL6k6cAxGXYbJBmK-2BrUFnEL-2FSEuy3ijy0AZzuN88TXHILe-2BzdNEwTGOLXheATT6vQ-3D-3D). With this special program, *Accelerating Capital to Under-fueled Entrepreneurs*, Dogwood seeks to bolster capital and technical assistance deployment to entrepreneurs of color and rural entrepreneurs.“We know that small businesses are a main driver of jobs in our economy, and that access to capital and knowledge are key to creating and growing a successful small business,” said Sarah Thompson, VP of Impact-Economic Opportunity at Dogwood Health Trust. “Currently, there are too few avenues for entrepreneurs of color and those in rural communities to access that needed capital and knowledge. We are excited to work with organizations who understand the needs of their community’s entrepreneurs, and the importance of investing in them.” To support “under-fueled entrepreneurs,” meaning entrepreneurs who are under-served or marginalized with traditional funding sources, Dogwood will award grants to non-traditional lenders, ranging from $150,000 to $750,000. These non-traditional lenders will, in turn, serve entrepreneurs of color and rural entrepreneurs in ways that are most impactful to start and expand their small businesses as well as create and retain quality jobs. Priority will be given to proposals that promote: - The increase of non-traditional lending to under-fueled entrepreneurs. - The capacity building of non-traditional lenders to deploy capital and development services to under-fueled entrepreneurs in a lasting and enduring manner. - The readiness of under-fueled entrepreneurs in accessing capital. - The success of under-fueled entrepreneurs through training programs or access to capital. - The improvement and transformation of systems for how under-fueled entrepreneurs access capital and development services. - The catalyzation of additional federal, state, local, and private capital to serve under-fueled entrepreneurs. “As Dogwood shared when launching its four Strategic Priorities, our [2022 Community Investment Strategy](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=s6HQHPgMKgZSFMCVsxq6vHhWjHcLMgtMqTWnftwOYAylT-2B95bkVha1aRRAV9yMcxnnXlXmVQpyqteGYVyg-2BIIBlHv-2FPNHv2phpKaNfPgx7AQK3Jf0Y9OPX6IqhBiRDZTR1Ep5usRdTU2MuWmvnVAYQ-3D-3Dmdv6_HONMHSOfGd7iCTj7AaEjfhKpGKoj29qSxihGWeJXFETEKDuYHGPrX5BjtUxG71-2B9y9xvVNgF-2F9LYymIh2ByFJ0o6vWZ2UUJ6Z492VusRn7fEEbw4bqEmB066MU9spCvhszGB4ffdc3hC-2Fk04uLry2Gbmpxw5woYMBMqWh1oV-2F-2BLqezHwCl4zzIVMEAwePYmkD9R43XxJhftK2a8z7orpUBuEpb7i9DXO1joye4m-2F1sWfAloQAPVj7il8pG-2BtuJ8CR72TTF396QKDSaNLl-2B9Y4mBTaIWbRWJ60oPptM3Vyl0Ut9F0mSR-2BXURGyeNwaz60SddeIxQhsXVQUqPuMSYstCZ5iOIvxF11sddyB5ywRWVkdmQiBTXIDCOYMxDiiieVxqepZNVqCJ9g1zp1X0Z-2Bag-3D-3D) will include these types of targeted requests for proposal opportunities,” said Dr. Susan Mims, CEO of Dogwood Health Trust. “This type of investment is a key strategy for Dogwood to coalesce partners for deeper impact — in this case an infusion of capital for projects that are typically difficult to fund but will accelerate entrepreneurism in our rural and communities of color.” Organizations that wish to learn more or apply may visit Dogwood’s [website](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=s6HQHPgMKgZSFMCVsxq6vHhWjHcLMgtMqTWnftwOYAza5PJsfuSdaKvdzGY-2FxMVjN8vRcyk9-2BtSONf-2BcFcAhWkuBUHAZyYfyDHl0K1qrOJs-3DBFCx_HONMHSOfGd7iCTj7AaEjfhKpGKoj29qSxihGWeJXFETEKDuYHGPrX5BjtUxG71-2B9y9xvVNgF-2F9LYymIh2ByFJ0o6vWZ2UUJ6Z492VusRn7fEEbw4bqEmB066MU9spCvhszGB4ffdc3hC-2Fk04uLry2Gbmpxw5woYMBMqWh1oV-2F-2BLqezHwCl4zzIVMEAwePYmkD9R43XxJhftK2a8z7orpUAFWLypR75Xj5y826g3LkuIOCYUF75nO39XUNvCGbs7vW5N4WvgRTxCSj-2FqPfKBI8aKPY1vr-2Fh-2Bc6Vm3urM-2BAeVgLeT84vKq0rcCjm1oryDzeOI7zl4wSvaZZ1dXApa-2BqO5lkUk-2B6rUsWgsK93F6U4H9Sayl60L-2FPJ2Q2Asg8O6eZcaetjp1KUVl910ocTG6Bg-3D-3D). For questions, please contact [Moriah Dean](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#83eeade7e6e2edc3e7ebf7adecf1e4), Impact Associate for Economic Opportunity. **About Dogwood Health Trust** Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellness, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and access to care and health resources. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit [www.dht.org](http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=t3VmCNFZzn63ccSwNE-2F3iFUpmx00f3STjHSW4cAnL6I-3DeXHu_HONMHSOfGd7iCTj7AaEjfhKpGKoj29qSxihGWeJXFETEKDuYHGPrX5BjtUxG71-2B9y9xvVNgF-2F9LYymIh2ByFJ0o6vWZ2UUJ6Z492VusRn7fEEbw4bqEmB066MU9spCvhszGB4ffdc3hC-2Fk04uLry2Gbmpxw5woYMBMqWh1oV-2F-2BLqezHwCl4zzIVMEAwePYmkD9R43XxJhftK2a8z7orpUK9XLkf6YlU7o1b5MZyOF2IG-2BzGT4YYYZwdZGyVk5QFjWVZfqe5JgY-2BBZB1JoCV0aSOy8ccZyNlwYGXKyz0Bq-2FSNPwZipDQFZ1FSDD3KZnn5NEWAlwa6WmyDs2ribkc-2Ft4Ilu2LR-2FS-2FUlGmKmf1b9e2nVoYmaEnNfB608G7nqodQfqDKkg-2FSJpkgblFNZO5ZTA-3D-3D). ### ## Press Contact **Erica Allison****828.358.4867 [[email protected]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e58880818c84a5838a978884918c8a8b9597cb868a88) Formation PR** 735 Locust St. Hendersonville, NC 28792 ## Media Requests * Name Email Message Send ![Full Color Dogwood Health Trust logo](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-DHT-Logo22FullColor-1024x268.webp) #### Additional Press Coverage and News [View All](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/resources/news/) ## Related Posts [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-releases-hurricane-helene-disaster-response-playbook/) ### [Dogwood Health Trust Releases Hurricane Helene Disaster Response Playbook](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-releases-hurricane-helene-disaster-response-playbook/) Dogwood Health Trust is sharing a new disaster response playbook that captures lessons learned from their experiences responding to Hurricane Helene in 2024. [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-releases-hurricane-helene-disaster-response-playbook/) June 8, 2026 [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-primary-care-development-corporation-launch-10-5-million-collaboration-to-strengthen-federally-qualified-health-centers-in-western-north-carolina/) ### [Dogwood Health Trust and Primary Care Development Corporation Launch $10.5 Million Collaboration to Strengthen Federally Qualified Health Centers in Western North Carolina](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-primary-care-development-corporation-launch-10-5-million-collaboration-to-strengthen-federally-qualified-health-centers-in-western-north-carolina/) Effort focuses on strengthening FQHC financial resiliency and health care access across region Asheville, N.C. – Dogwood Health Trust and Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-primary-care-development-corporation-launch-10-5-million-collaboration-to-strengthen-federally-qualified-health-centers-in-western-north-carolina/) March 5, 2026 [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-affiliated-monitors-inc-announce-schedule/) ### [Dogwood Health Trust and Affiliated Monitors, Inc. Announce Schedule for Two Community Meetings with Independent Monitor](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-affiliated-monitors-inc-announce-schedule/) Meetings will provide reporting updates, review findings from the 2024 reporting year and share details about the current process for the 2025 reporting year Asheville, [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-and-affiliated-monitors-inc-announce-schedule/) February 10, 2026 [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-announces-700k-in-emergency-funding/) ### [Dogwood Health Trust Announces $700K in Emergency Funding to Help Families in Western North Carolina Access Food During the Government Shutdown](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-announces-700k-in-emergency-funding/) Asheville, N.C. – Dogwood Health Trust announces $700K in emergency funding to help local communities purchase and distribute food to children and families in Western [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/dogwood-health-trust-announces-700k-in-emergency-funding/) November 6, 2025 [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/new-report-highlights-hurricane-helenes-impact-on-western-north-carolina-nonprofits-and-their-role-in-long-term-recovery/) ### [New Report Highlights Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina Nonprofits and Their Role in Long-term Recovery](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/new-report-highlights-hurricane-helenes-impact-on-western-north-carolina-nonprofits-and-their-role-in-long-term-recovery/) While Physical and Economic Recovery is Underway, Social and Emotional Challenges Remain Asheville, N.C. – A new report released today, Rising Above: Resilience and Recovery [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/new-report-highlights-hurricane-helenes-impact-on-western-north-carolina-nonprofits-and-their-role-in-long-term-recovery/) September 26, 2025 [](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/two-vice-presidents-to-join-dogwood-health-trusts-community-investment-team/) ### [Two Vice Presidents to Join Dogwood Health Trust’s Community Investment Team](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/two-vice-presidents-to-join-dogwood-health-trusts-community-investment-team/) Asheville, N.C. – Dogwood Health Trust is pleased to announce that after an extensive national search, Jehan Benton-Clark and Jerry Kenney will both join its [Read More »](https://dogwoodhealthtrust.org/two-vice-presidents-to-join-dogwood-health-trusts-community-investment-team/) August 6, 2025 - [](#) - [](#) [](/) [](https://twitter.com/DogwoodWNC) [Facebook *](https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood-Health-Trust-212994690131241) [Instagram **](https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodwnc/) [Linkedin **](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogwood-health-trust/) * [](https://twitter.com/DogwoodWNC) [Facebook *](https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood-Health-Trust-212994690131241) [Instagram **](https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodwnc/) [Linkedin **](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dogwood-health-trust/)