Our focus Areas
Strengthen Organizations
Improve Community Assets
Support Local Decision-making
Grant Opportunities
FCH accepts applications to the Capacity Building Grant Program in April.
FCH’s Capacity Building Grant Program has been created to support the organizational health of nonprofits that serve our community. Through this grant program, the foundation accepts requests up to $30,000 annually.
Learn More
FCH accepts applications to the Cultivating Health Grant Program on a rolling basis.
Compared to many other foundations, FCH’s assets are modest. We aspire to have an outsized impact with our grant dollars by being aware, responsive, and nimble. Our Cultivating Health Grant Program is for:
- Nonprofits seeking to answer big questions about their operations or future direction
- School districts or towns that want to improve their work internally, work with committees, or pursue a new collaborative effort with another community
- Initiatives that seek to plan for, create, or increase access to community-level infrastructure
FCH accepts applications to the Rapid Response Grant Program on a rolling basis.
Our Rapid Response Grant Program supports the emergency and/or time-sensitive needs of organizations whose work aligns with the Foundation for Community Health’s mission and funding priorities.
The total amount of funds available to this program is typically less than $5,000 annually.
Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 organizations or initiatives with 501(c)3 fiscal sponsors. Work must benefit the residents in one or multiple towns within the Foundation for Community Health’s catchment area.
Learn More
One of the affordable housing properties in Norfolk, CT. This multi-unit building was renovated for affordable housing by the Foundation for Norfolk Living.
Photo by Shana Sureck.
Loan Opportunities
Good sites for affordable housing sell quickly in this real estate market. FCH’s Revolving Loan Program for Affordable Housing offers loans to affordable housing nonprofits serving northwest Litchfield County, Connecticut. Loans provided through the program serve as bridge financing until long-term or permanent funding is secured.
Center of Falls Village, Connecticut.
Photo by Anne Day.
Balancing Our Local Focus and Broader Impact
Our region includes organizations with varying geographic scopes. Generally, we prioritize committing unrestricted grant funds to organizations with a concerted focus on our catchment area, believing these grants enable organizations to address their most critical needs and improve conditions for residents in our 17-town rural region.
We have also provided program-restricted funding to organizations with a larger geographic footprint, recognizing that creating change often requires efforts beyond our local community. Our aim is to balance local impact with broader regional or statewide initiatives that benefit our community.
Eligibility
We work so that all aspects of our community support the conditions required for health, well-being, and equity. While we utilize a broad range of strategies to meet our mission, there are some initiatives and activities that the foundation does not fund.
We fund
- Organizations or initiatives consistent with the mission, vision, values, and funding priorities of the foundation
- Organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt status
- State and municipal agencies
We do not fund
- Organizations or projects that do not benefit residents in our geographic area
- Individuals, Endowments, Private Foundations, Service Clubs or Membership Organizations
- Fundraising events, including direct mail campaigns
- Debt retirement, operating deficits, or after-the-fact support
- Programs by faith-based institutions that have a spiritual and/or theological component
- Organizations or projects that unlawfully discriminate with regard to employees, volunteers, delivery of programs or services, or clients served based on age, sex, religion/creed, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, military or veterans’ status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other basis
Long Standing Investments
At FCH, approximately 25% of our grantmaking is dedicated to long-standing investments that operate outside our competitive application process. We proudly maintain these established partnerships with selected organizations delivering critical services throughout our region, providing reliable funding without requiring formal applications. These strategic commitments ensure consistent support for essential programs that directly improve community well-being while allowing our partners to focus on their important work rather than grant cycles.
Since 2004, FCH has invested in prescription assistance for income-eligible residents who struggle to afford their medications. Our Prescription Assistance Program provides direct financial support through three community partners who administer the program: Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County, The Healthcare Consortium, and Salisbury Family Services. The Prescription Assistance Program is primarily funded through dedicated funds established at the time FCH was created, with the foundation supplementing from unrestricted sources in years community need exceeds the restricted resources available.
Transportation in rural communities represents a critical lifeline for residents, connecting them not only to essential non-emergency medical appointments but also to grocery stores and other vital services that support their well-being. Without reliable transportation options, rural residents—particularly seniors and those with limited mobility—face significant barriers to accessing preventative healthcare, maintaining proper nutrition, and participating in community life.
Since identifying transportation as a key healthcare barrier in our 2004 community assessment, FCH has taken a strategic approach to supporting transportation providers through various capacity-building efforts. Beyond direct operational funding, we’ve invested in needs assessments, efficiency studies, and operational improvements to help our partners better serve the community.
Through continued partnerships with Geer Senior Village Community, The Healthcare Consortium, and North East Community Center, we’re working to ensure that geographic isolation doesn’t prevent residents from accessing the care and resources they need to thrive.
Since 2007, FCH has supported school-based oral health services as a key funding priority, beginning with Brooker Memorial’s pioneering program – the first of its kind in Litchfield County. Today, Brooker operates this vital service in Region 1 and 7 school districts, while our partner Sun River Health provides dental care to students in Dutchess County’s Dover Union Free School District. These programs deliver essential preventative oral care directly in schools, benefiting both children and families – children gain improved self-esteem, fewer absences, and avoid more serious dental procedures, while parents and caregivers are spared the challenges of scheduling appointments, taking time off work, and arranging transportation. By integrating healthcare services within educational settings, we’re building on existing community assets to increase access to health.
Photo by Walter Hergt.
Improving Children’s Oral Health
Since 2007, we’ve funded preventative dental care for children across rural Connecticut and New York through school-based oral health programs that reduce tooth decay by 80%.
Explore past grants
Learn more about our grantee partners and work happening throughout our region.
Explore grants