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For Immediate Release May 18, 2026 NC MEDICAL SOCIETY ALLIANCE GRANTS $30,000 TO FOUR NC NONPROFITS Grants from 102-year-old organization will support nonprofits giving greater access to care The North Carolina Medical Society Alliance has awarded grants to two free clinics in rural Western NC and two nonprofits providing prescription medications and durable medical equipment to patients in need. Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers and Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry both were awarded $10,000 grants. FIGS of Wake County received $7,500 and Assist ME received $2,500. The Alliance, made up of spouses of physicians practicing in North Carolina, has responded to the evolving health needs of our communities and state for more than a century. These recipients were selected in recognition of the increasing difficulty low-income people face in accessing and affording critical medical care. "The North Carolina Medical Society Alliance is delighted to award grants to these four nonprofits," said NCMSA President Kirby Sheridan. "Their service to low-income uninsured and underinsured residents where they live are such effective models. We are so grateful for their invaluable work." The Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers increases access to medical care on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau and surrounding communities. Unlike most free medical clinics, CCC offers a more comprehensive and holistic approach to wellness with the availability of specialty care and key community partnerships that support their adult and pediatric patients. “Our clinic has made significant progress over the past year in fulfilling our mission,” said Melanie Jones, Director of Development & Partnerships. “With the support and partnership of the NC Medical Society Alliance, we can continue to expand access to healthcare and deepen our impact in rural Western NC. Together, we’re building a healthier, stronger community.” The Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry offers the only free and charitable clinic serving residents of Catawba and Alexander counties. Established in 1969, it has a long history of serving low-income and vulnerable populations in the surrounding area through crisis intervention, homelessness services, medical care, pharmacy assistance, and supportive programs. “Thanks to the generosity and support of the NC Medical Society Alliance, we can continue offering these vital services free of charge to those most in need in our community,” said GHCCM Medical Clinic Director, Jeanette Conley. “We are deeply grateful to the NC Medical Society Alliance for partnering with us in our mission to bring hope, healing, and quality care to our neighbors.” FIGS (Filling In Gaps) of Wake County helps uninsured and underinsured residents access essential medications and basic health supplies when cost, lack of coverage, or delays in coverage create dangerous gaps in care. FIGS prevents preventable health crises by ensuring people can obtain the prescriptions and OTC supports they need to stabilize chronic conditions, treat acute illness early, and avoid unnecessary emergency department use. The NCMSA’s investment comes at a critical time, said FIGS Executive Director Ann Thomas. “Each day, we meet neighbors who are forced to make difficult choices between their health and basic necessities. This funding allows us to step in at those moments by providing essential prescription medications, medical supplies, and over-the-counter care that help people stay healthy, stable, and able to move forward.” Charlotte-based Assist ME provides new and gently used mobility devices so people can return to their communities after an accident or surgery, or simply live more safely at home with a chronic illness or end-of-life transition. This equipment ranges from wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, shower chairs, and transfer benches to Hoyer Lifts and hospital beds. “This support from NC Medical Society Alliance underscores a shared commitment to a healthier community,” said Jolyn Sloan, Assist ME’s Community Outreach and Development Chair. “With this grant, Assist ME is able to bridge more health equity gaps in Anson County by ensuring that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to medical mobility equipment they need for safe healing and independence. Together, we can enhance lives through mobility!” The Alliance’s grant program allows it to best respond to the needs of our state’s residents while honoring the dedication of thousands of Alliance members over the decades. The Alliance’s fall grant cycle will award up to $25,000 to health-related organizations. Applications will open Aug. 5, 2026 at www.ncmsalliance.org/grants. ###
For Immediate Release June 2, 2025 NC MEDICAL SOCIETY ALLIANCE LAUNCHES NEW MAJOR GRANTS INITIATIVE 102-year-old organization will support nonprofits addressing health needs across the state For more than a century, the North Carolina Medical Society Alliance has responded to the evolving health needs of our communities and state. The organization, made up of spouses of physicians practicing in North Carolina, is proud to now launch a new grant program for nonprofits across the state. This strategy will allow the Alliance to best respond to the needs of our state’s residents while honoring the hard work of thousands of Alliance members over the decades. We are privileged to be able to utilize their fundraising success to facilitate these established nonprofits’ operations with major grants. The Alliance will offer two grant cycles. The fall cycle, which opened June 2, will award grants of $10,000-$25,000 to nonprofits directly advancing health and quality of life for the people in North Carolina. This includes, but is not limited to, initiatives and groups supporting healthcare providers and their families or promoting health education. A spring cycle will award grants up to $10,000 with the same focus on healthcare. Nonprofits can learn more and apply at www.ncmsalliance.org/grants. “Over the past 102 years, so many physician spouses have worked as members of the NCMSA to solve issues that affected the people of North Carolina, such as providing sanatorium beds for TB patients, working to pass legislation mandating health education in the public schools, sponsoring opioid misuse education programs, and promoting mental healthcare awareness to the public and among physician families,” said NCMSA President Kirby Sheridan. “It is inspiring to think that our organization today stands on the shoulders of these volunteers who came before us and their efforts,” she continued. “It makes a strong foundation for our new major grants initiative, and we are excited to get started funding good work in our communities.” ###