Merrimack County Social Services Grant Program 2025

The Merrimack County Social Services Grant Program aims to address the increased demand for social services within the county due to reductions in state and federal funding and current economic conditions affecting charitable giving. Merrimack County, located in New Hampshire, has established this grant to guide the allocation of its limited resources to social service agencies that provide critical services to its residents. The grant period is from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and applications are due by August 30, 2024. The program seeks to ensure that essential services continue to be available to the community, demonstrating a clear alignment with the county's mission to support the well-being of its residents and manage its welfare functions responsibly. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Merrimack County residents who rely on social services. The program's impact goals are to support agencies that provide critical services that the County would otherwise be obligated to provide or pay for through its welfare function. By funding these agencies, the County aims to reduce its own expenditures and enhance the overall quality of life for its community members. The grant emphasizes a direct or indirect reduction in County expenditures and a clear demonstration of financial need by the requesting agencies, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact. The program prioritizes agencies that serve a core group of Merrimack County residents and offer services that significantly enhance the quality of life within the community. The focus is on critical services that address essential needs and, in turn, alleviate the burden on county resources. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support to effective social service agencies leads to improved community well-being and more efficient use of county funds. The eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that funded initiatives are both impactful and aligned with the county's responsibility to its residents. Expected outcomes include a sustained or improved level of critical social services available to Merrimack County residents, a reduction in the county's direct and indirect expenditures related to welfare and social service provisions, and a demonstrable enhancement in the quality of life within the Merrimack County community. Measurable results will likely be tied to the number of Merrimack County residents served, the specific services provided that the county would otherwise be obligated to offer, and the financial impact on county expenditures. Agencies must clearly demonstrate financial need and how their services enhance the community's quality of life, allowing the county to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of its grant allocations.