Health Care Workforce Grant

The Health Care Workforce Grant is offered by The Endowment for Health, a private foundation based in Concord, New Hampshire, dedicated to advancing health equity across the state. This funding initiative is designed to address growing shortages of qualified health care professionals in New Hampshire. Access to quality health care depends on a strong and sustainable workforce, yet communities across the state face barriers to care due to workforce gaps. Through this grant area, the Endowment supports collaborative, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen and expand the health care workforce pipeline. This funding stream is supported in part by the Forward Fund, which includes $1.9 million contributed by the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association. The purpose of the fund is to help providers better serve communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing care. The Endowment works with leaders and partners statewide to identify priority strategies that build workforce capacity, align initiatives, and promote long-term system improvements. Funded projects may include workforce development strategies, planning initiatives, research, and cross-sector alignment efforts that improve recruitment, retention, training, and service delivery. Projects are identified in collaboration with partners in the health care workforce field rather than through an open, broadly competitive solicitation. As a result, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Kim Firth at The Endowment for Health to discuss alignment before submitting a proposal. The Endowment emphasizes systemic solutions, leadership development, and initiatives that reflect data-informed decision making combined with lived experience from impacted communities. The goal is to strengthen the overall health care system by ensuring providers are well-supported and positioned to meet community needs. Applications are submitted through the Endowment’s Applicant Portal. Program Grant applications require a detailed narrative, a workplan aligned with the Endowment’s Measurement Framework, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Budget guidelines specify that indirect expenses are allowable up to 15 percent of direct costs, excluding contracted services and equipment. All revenues and expenses must be balanced, and applicants must clearly document the source of any additional funds or in-kind support. There is no publicly stated cost-sharing or match requirement. There is no fixed deadline published for this funding area. Instead, proposals appear to be developed and reviewed on a rolling basis in collaboration with the Endowment’s staff and strategic partners. No formal letter of intent or pre-proposal process is described; however, early engagement with the program contact is strongly encouraged due to the collaborative nature of the funding model. Post-award, grantees receive guidance regarding reporting, budget revisions, and communications protocols. Through the Health Care Workforce Grant, The Endowment for Health seeks to build a robust and flourishing health care workforce in New Hampshire. By investing in innovative strategies and cross-sector partnerships, the Endowment aims to ensure that all Granite Staters have access to qualified providers and high-quality care, particularly in communities that have historically experienced inequitable access.

Engage program staff early to ensure alignment; emphasize systemic workforce solutions; demonstrate community impact and data informed strategy.