The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation offers the GRCHF Small Grants Program to support initiatives aimed at improving health and well-being in Strafford County and its surrounding areas. This program is designed to address access to care challenges identified through community needs assessments conducted by major healthcare providers in the region. The foundation seeks to reduce the burden of illness among residents by funding projects that tackle various aspects of access to care, including mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, food security, housing assistance, senior services, transportation, culturally appropriate care, service awareness, care coordination, and patient motivation.

The primary objective of the GRCHF Small Grants Program is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that are actively working to enhance access to care for residents of Strafford County. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for general operating support, and these grants are nonrenewable, with a duration of one year. The funding is intended to empower organizations to implement programs and services that directly address the health needs of the community.

Eligible applicants for this grant must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations that do not have public charity status may still apply if they have a public charity acting as a fiscal sponsor. However, certain types of organizations are ineligible to apply, including public and private schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, religious organizations, and municipal or government entities. This focus on nonprofit organizations ensures that the funding is directed toward community-based initiatives.

The application process requires organizations to submit a proposal that outlines their project and its alignment with the grant's objectives. Specific submission requirements and application questions are detailed on the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation's website. Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their organization, the proposed project, and how it will address access to care challenges in the community.

Evaluation criteria for the grant will consider the project's relevance to the identified needs of the community, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the potential impact on improving health outcomes. The foundation aims to support projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the local health landscape and have a well-defined plan for implementation.

The application period for the GRCHF Small Grants Program is currently open, with a deadline for submissions set for September 26, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that they complete their applications by this date to be considered for funding. For more information about the grant and to access the application, interested parties can visit the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation's website.