DRAGON PHOENIX FOUNDATION
Wellness Within Reach
Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent you from finding movement, connection, and support.
Dragon Phoenix Foundation offers need-based assistance for adults age 65 and older or U.S. military veterans. Eligible participants may receive full or half tuition assistance for six months, following a brief review of supporting documents.
Online assistance supports access to a dedicated Tai Chi and Qigong course for eligible U.S. residents. Our in-person program currently begins with an invitation-only pilot for Buncombe County residents, with broader access planned as funding becomes available.
Who Can Apply?
Seniors or Veterans
You are age 65 or older, or you are a U.S. military veteran. You do not need to be both. Seniors become eligible on their 65th birthday.
Financial Need
Assistance is based on your current household income and household size. Eligible applicants may receive 100% or 50% tuition assistance. We’ll explain the income guidelines below.
Location
Online assistance is available to eligible residents of the United States. In-person assistance is limited to Buncombe County, North Carolina, and currently requires an invitation to our pilot program.
You may apply for both online and in-person assistance. Awards last six months, and supporting documents must be reviewed before access is activated.
How Much Assistance Can I Receive?
We use federal poverty guidelines, your household size, and your current household income to determine your assistance level.
100% Tuition Assistance
For eligible applicants with household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline.
Your approved program’s tuition is fully covered, so you pay nothing to participate.
50% Tuition Assistance
For eligible applicants with household income above 135% and at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
You pay half of your approved program’s regular tuition.
What counts as household income?
We consider current income before taxes, including wages, Social Security, pensions, retirement distributions, veterans’ benefits, and other regular income. For self-employment, we consider income after ordinary business expenses.
Your household includes you, a spouse or partner with whom you share finances, and dependents you support. An unrelated roommate who maintains separate finances does not count toward your household income or household size.
We generally review one recent month of income. If your income varies, we may review three recent months to understand your circumstances.
Need an individual review?
If your income exceeds these guidelines but unusual circumstances make participation unaffordable, you may request a hardship review. Assistance is subject to review and program availability.
A Simple Path to Getting Started
Tell us a little about your circumstances, provide supporting documents, and we’ll review your application before activating your assistance.
Verify Your Eligibility
Provide documentation showing your age or veteran status and current household income. We’ll explain which documents you can use and how to submit them securely.
Complete Your Application
Share your contact information, household size, current income, and the program you’re interested in. For the in-person pilot, you’ll also need an invitation from the foundation.
Receive Your Decision
A foundation reviewer will check your application and documents. If approved, you’ll receive your assistance level, instructions for accessing your program, and the dates of your six-month award.
Submitting an application does not automatically activate assistance. If we need more information, we’ll contact you. You may reapply before your six-month award ends.
Need help applying? Contact veguc8ng@gmail.com.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Please prepare documents that confirm your eligibility and current household income. You only need to verify your age or veteran status—not both.
Proof of Age or Veteran Status
If applying as a senior, provide a document showing your name and date of birth, such as a driver’s license or other government-issued identification.
If applying as a veteran, provide a document showing your name and veteran status, such as a Veteran ID Card, a VA benefits letter confirming veteran status, or a DD214.
Proof of Current Income
Provide documentation for each household income source. Examples include recent pay stubs, Social Security or pension benefit statements, veterans’ benefit statements, or unemployment benefit notices.
For self-employment, provide a recent income-and-expense summary. We may request additional supporting records.
We generally review one recent month of income, or three recent months when income varies. If you have no income or cannot obtain a listed document, contact us to discuss an alternative.
In-Person Applicants
For the invitation-only Buncombe County pilot, also prepare proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or official correspondence. An identification document with your current address may also be used.
Protect your personal information
Before submitting documents, cover Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, identification numbers, and unrelated medical information. Leave your name, relevant dates, income amounts, and the information needed to confirm eligibility visible.
Please do not email verification documents. We’ll provide submission instructions through the application process.
Apply for Assistance
Ready to take the next step? Complete the application below to request assistance for our online Tai Chi and Qigong course, the invitation-only in-person pilot, or both.
Please provide accurate information about your household and current income. Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed before assistance is activated.
Need help completing your application?
Contact veguc8ng@gmail.com for help with the application process or alternative documentation. Please do not email identification or financial documents.
Questions About Assistance
Do I need to be both a senior and a veteran?
No. You may qualify if you are age 65 or older, or a U.S. military veteran. You must also meet the financial and location requirements.
Can I receive both online and in-person assistance?
Yes. Eligible applicants may request both. The in-person program currently requires an invitation to our Buncombe County pilot.
What does online assistance include?
Assistance provides access to a dedicated Tai Chi and Qigong course in Dragon Phoenix’s online academy. It does not include other academy courses.
What does in-person assistance include?
The pilot provides approved participants with access to up to two eligible drop-in classes per week at Dragon Phoenix. Eligible classes include Tai Chi, Qigong, Nia, and Sword Yoga. Your award notice will explain your access and any participant payment.
How long does assistance last?
Awards last six months. To continue receiving assistance, you’ll need to reapply and provide updated eligibility information before your award expires.
Will my application be approved immediately?
No. A foundation reviewer must check your application and supporting documents before assistance is activated. We’ll contact you if additional information is needed.
What if I don’t have the requested documents?
Contact veguc8ng@gmail.com before submitting your application. We can discuss alternative ways to document your circumstances. Please do not email financial or identification documents.
Can an organization apply through this form?
This application is for individuals. Organizations interested in group access should contact us about paid organization plans. Organizational financial assistance is planned for separate consideration later.
This completes the page’s basic content. The application form, secure document submission, and current income table remain to be connected before applications open.