Couch Family Foundation Grant

The Couch Family Foundation's Cherished Communities grant program is a philanthropic initiative aimed at strengthening and supporting specific communities in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Rooted in the Couch family’s long-standing connection to these areas, the Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit children and families, with an emphasis on initiatives that promote lasting, positive change within these geographically defined regions. The foundation identifies the Upper Valley as encompassing Grafton and Sullivan Counties in New Hampshire and Orange and Windsor Counties in Vermont, and explicitly provides a map listing eligible towns within those counties. The Cherished Communities grants are part of the Foundation’s broader funding strategy and represent one of two core focus areas, alongside its State-Wide Early Care and Education (ECE) initiative. While the ECE priority is by invitation only, Cherished Communities accepts applications openly during three defined funding cycles throughout the calendar year. Applicants are encouraged to use the Foundation’s online portal to submit their proposals, and first-time applicants are advised to contact the Foundation directly at [email protected] for guidance prior to submission. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a connection to or impact on the designated communities. For statewide organizations, it is recommended that they include information in their application about how their programs specifically support children and families in the Upper Valley or Martha’s Vineyard. While the foundation does not specify types of eligible organizations (e.g., nonprofits, educational institutions), the targeted geographic scope implies a community-based focus, particularly on services that support early childhood development, family well-being, and equitable access to resources. Applications are reviewed three times annually. The deadlines for the 2026 cycle are February 27, May 15, and August 7, with corresponding decision announcements in April, July, and November, respectively. These set deadlines suggest a non-rolling but recurring opportunity. The Foundation does not require a pre-application phase such as a Letter of Intent for this priority. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined in the public-facing content, though the focus on community impact and alignment with geographic and thematic priorities is implied as central. Grantees are expected to apply through an online application portal, accessible via the Couch Family Foundation website. No additional technical documentation, such as a downloadable NOFO or application guide, was found in the provided materials. Contact for questions and support is available via email at [email protected] and by phone at 603.643.3052. The Foundation’s mailing address is PO Box 151, Hanover, NH 03755. In summary, the Cherished Communities grant opportunity is designed for organizations and initiatives serving specific Upper Valley communities or Martha’s Vineyard, with a focus on positive, measurable impact on families and children. The program operates on a recurring schedule and encourages proactive engagement from new applicants, signaling a supportive and community-aligned funding ethos.

First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation for guidance before applying.