Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation

In filing year 2024, GRCHF awarded 21 grants totaling $285,000. Awards ranged from $7,500 to $25,000, with a median grant of $10,000. Among the largest were $25,000 to COAST for general support and expanded transportation options for elders and people with disabilities, and $25,000 to Connor’s Climb Foundation for suicide-prevention training in Strafford County and stigma reduction. Other awards included $20,000 to Community Action Partnership of Strafford County for temporary housing access, $20,000 to Cross Roads House for a Winter Warming Center bathroom, $20,000 to Greater Seacoast Community Health for behavioral health services at Somersworth High School, $20,000 to Hope on Haven Hill, and $20,000 to Rochester Child Care Center.

The foundation’s 2026 application materials specified that organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), with a public-charity fiscal sponsor permitted for organizations without public charity status. Public and private schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, religious organizations, municipalities, and government entities were listed as ineligible. Eligible applicants could submit only one application to GRCHF in 2026, either to the Small Grants Program or the Targeted Grants Program. Small grants were up to $10,000 for nonrenewable, one-year general operating support; targeted grants were up to $25,000 for nonrenewable, one-year project support. Application questions asked about the organization’s work, community, access challenges, approach and partners, expected reach, and use of funds. Statewide organizations were asked to provide Strafford County-specific program details.