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Investing

in the health, well-being, and equity of our community

As a steward of community resources, we work alongside people and organizations to serve our neighbors—especially those that have historically been under-resourced.

What We Fund

Litchfield County Opiate Task Force, a network of first responders, providers, and mental health professionals who work in concert to cultivate connection, hope, harm reduction, and recovery in northwest Connecticut.

Photo courtesy of McCall Behavioral Health Network.

Partnering

with community to drive change

We operate under the principles of trust-based philanthropy and strive to develop deep relationships with our community’s non-profit sector.

Our Approach
Individuals pack brown paper bags on tables, shelves of food and refrigerators are in the background.

Comida de Vida Food Pantry, a mission of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Comida de Vida rapidly grew its operations to meet unprecedented community need.

Photo by Anne Day.

Focusing

where we’re needed most

We work to reduce barriers to health, to ensure that everyone regardless of their age, race, income level or zip code, has the opportunity to thrive.

Where We Work

Breaking ground on Community Health & Wellness' North Cannan Health Center.

Photo by Sarah Kenyon, courtesy of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Leading with trust

We approach grantee relationships from a place of trust and practice a form of philanthropy grounded in the collective wisdom of our community.

More About Our Approach

Our community-first approach

We collaborate with other foundations and government. We work together with local healthcare and social service providers. We participate in coalitions and workgroups. We engage partners and bring together stakeholders to solve problems.

More About Our Approach

Advocating for rural health

We advocate for policy changes that improve health in our rural community. This means creating actionable information around public health issues affecting our rural community and supporting participatory processes that include those most impacted by the problem.

More About Our Approach

Grantmaking

Community Leadership

Advocacy

Federal, state, and local officials speak at press briefing at Sharon Town Hall on August 30, 2023.

Photo by FCH staff.

Our Response to the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy’s Decision

The Connecticut Office of Health Strategy (OHS) recently denied Nuvance Health’s request to close Sharon Hospital’s Labor and Delivery services. The OHS decision underscores their commitment to equitable healthcare access. Learn more about the OHS decision, what it means for our region, and our response.

Read Our Response
Nurse provides care to teenager in exam room.

Student receives care at Webutuck Central School District’s School-Based Health Center (SBHC). FCH partnered with Webutuck to fund the construction of the SBHC. The health center is the first of its kind in Dutchess County.

Photo by Anne Day.

Celebrating 20 years of local impact

We’re proud of our history of investing in people, programs and strategies to improve health, and we’re grateful for the partners who’ve trusted us to do this important work since 2003.

Our Story

Seeking a Grant?

Our approach to grantmaking is built on trust, partnership and shared dedication to our community. Learn more about what we fund or reach out to start a conversation. We look forward to hearing from you!

What We Fund Contact Us
Map of different counties

Who we serve

Foundation for Community Health serves the 17-town region where northwest Connecticut meets New York’s Greater Harlem Valley. Learn more about our region and see where our grantee partners are making an impact.

113

Grantee Partners

$19.9M

Total Granted

560

Grants Made

Our Communities

We’re always
learning

We know that meaningful, lasting change takes time and isn’t always easy to measure. That’s why we approach our work with openness and flexibility; we’re always testing ideas and looking for ways to better serve our community.

Our Latest Learnings

Stories

Staff at North East Dutchess Immigrant Services smiles while standing at a table being used to sort fresh produce.

Photo by Anne Day.

Working to ensure members of the local immigrant community thrive
Since its founding in 2005, Northeast Dutchess Immigrant Services (formerly Grace Immigrant Outreach) has been an integral community resource. Serving the rural towns of Pine Plains, Amenia, Stanfordville, Millbrook and Dover, NEDIS prides itself on connecting members of the local immigrant community with valuable resource…
Learn More

Photo by Anne Day.

Meeting the health and wellness needs of Northwest Connecticut
For two decades, Community Health & Wellness Center of Greater Torrington (CHWC) has been committed to keeping communities healthy. Their award-winning Federally Qualified Health Centers — defined as any community-based and patient-centered organization that delivers comprehensive and culturally competent primary health care services
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Health&

Photo by Brook Martinez.

July 15, 2023
HEALTH & THIRD SPACES
The social support garnered in third places has been shown to protect health and well-being across one’s lifetime. Still, it takes a wide range of third places to cultivate healthy conditions within communities. From libraries and laundromats to barbershops and bars, “third places have long been an important part of American culture, and their role continues to evolve.”
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Photo courtesy of Foundation for Norfolk Living.

June 28, 2023
HEALTH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The single biggest indicator of a thriving community is residents who take an active role in the process of cultivating positive change. From voting to volunteering, engaging in the community allows individuals to both develop and use knowledge, skills, and voice to shape the environment in which they choose to live, work, and raise their families. 
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