Golden LEAF Critical Conversations: Regional Philanthropy – Building Capacity and Opportunity 

The latest episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations explores how regional philanthropy supports community development, disaster recovery, and workforce opportunities in western North Carolina. The discussion highlights how collaboration among foundations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other partners can help communities address challenges while building a stronger foundation for the future.

In this episode, Dr. Susan Mims, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dogwood Health Trust, discusses the role of regional philanthropy in strengthening western North Carolina through strategic investments, partnerships, and collaboration. She shares lessons learned from Dogwood’s response to Hurricane Helene, the importance of building nonprofit capacity to support long-term recovery, and how investments in workforce development and education are creating opportunities across the region. The conversation also highlights how funders like Dogwood Health Trust and Golden LEAF work together to address regional needs and support long-term economic growth.

Listeners will learn how regional philanthropy can help communities address immediate challenges while investing in long-term economic opportunity. Through collaboration, organizational capacity building, and workforce development, foundations and their partners are helping western North Carolina communities strengthen local resources, support recovery, and create opportunities for residents and future generations.

Listen now to this episode of Golden LEAF Critical Conversations on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.