The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation (GRCHF) is a supporting organization of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. It was established with funds from the sale of Frisbie Memorial Hospital to HCA Healthcare, Inc. GRCHF is focused on improving the health and well-being of residents in Strafford County, New Hampshire and nearby areas by supporting local nonprofit efforts to reduce illness and improve access to care.
The Small Grants Program offers general operating support grants of up to $10,000 for one-year, nonrenewable periods. This program is designed to assist nonprofit organizations addressing access-to-care challenges affecting Strafford County residents. Covered focus areas include substance use disorder services, food security, housing, senior services, transportation and logistics, culturally appropriate care, care coordination, patient motivation, and raising awareness of available services. Priority will be given to projects that involve collaboration among service providers, as well as those addressing maternal health.
Organizations must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Those without public charity status may apply if they have a fiscal sponsor with such designation. The program is not open to public or private schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, religious organizations, or governmental bodies such as municipalities. Any questions regarding eligibility for excluded entities should be directed to Lisa Vasquez-Castro.
All applications must be submitted through GrantSource, the foundation's online application platform. Applicants are instructed to log in or create a new profile in GrantSource before completing their applications. Technical assistance is available via Laura Cappuccio. The final deadline for submission is October 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, and applicants will receive funding decisions via email in December 2025.
To qualify geographically, applicants must provide services in Strafford County. Organizations located outside of the county are still eligible if Strafford County is identified as a primary service area. The Small Grants Program is intended for operating support; those seeking project-based funding in specific topic areas such as behavioral health, early education, or food security are directed to apply under the foundation’s separate Targeted Grants Program.
Collaborative efforts and projects addressing maternal health are prioritized.
