About Endowment for Health

Cover10

The Endowment for Health is a statewide, private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving the health of New Hampshire's people, especially those who are vulnerable and underserved. We envision a culture that supports the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of all people -- through every stage of life.

Since 2001, the Endowment has awarded more than 1600 grants, totaling $67 million to support a wide range of health-related programs and projects in New Hampshire.

The Endowment also uses its voice and influence to lead others toward health-related policy change. We often act as a catalyst and convener to help move important issues forward - especially when others are unable to speak out.

The Endowment for Health is unbiased and nonpartisan. We connect organizations and communities while supporting strong advocacy. We work to ensure that the needs of communities and vulnerable populations are represented when health policies are shaped in New Hampshire. In partnership with others, we work to increase access to quality care and services.

The Endowment for Health continues to shine the light on problems, bringing people together to plan and supporting their collective action to solve those problems. We are part of a community of organizations and individuals working together towards common goals, and using a set of common approaches to achieve those goals.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Our Mission

To improve the health and reduce the burden of illness for the people of New Hampshire – especially the vulnerable and underserved.

Our Vision: Good Health and Realized Potential for All

New Hampshire's prosperity depends on healthy people, strong families and vibrant communities. We envision a culture that supports the physical, mental and social well-being of all people -- through every stage of life.

We define health broadly: "Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being – not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." (World Health Organization)

What do we mean when we speak of New Hampshire's people? As a foundation, we address the needs of specific populations and communities rather than the needs of individuals. We have both a local and a state-wide focus as we work to improve health care systems that will benefit vulnerable and underserved residents in our state.

Our Values

Sound values and careful stewardship inform good decisions. They are the compass for the decisions and behaviors of our staff, Board, Advisory Council and Investment Committee.

  • Equity: The Endowment for Health will promote equity and fairness in all of our actions and decisions.
  • Courage: The Endowment for Health will have the courage to live up to our mission.
  • Partnership: The Endowment for Health will work in partnership with the people of New Hampshire.
  • Compassion: The Endowment for Health will approach our work with compassion and understanding for all of the people in the larger community of our state.
  • Integrity: The Endowment for Health will conduct itself with integrity in all of our actions, relationships and financial transactions.
  • Respect: The Endowment for Health will treat everyone with respect.


Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028

Amped Up in Partnership with Communities

In September 2021, the Endowment for Health Board of Directors launched a year-long strategic planning process to reflect on our past, contend with the present, and resource a future that provides good health and realized potential for all. We leveraged
robust Board member dialogue, extensive committee engagement, and insights from our Advisory Council in developing this plan. Board members initially considered four possible futures for the Endowment, representing a continuum from status quo to innovative risk taking. We grappled with the question of what “being bolder” meant for the Endowment. With profound acknowledgment of the myriad challenges facing
Granite Staters, from health care quality, accessibility, and affordability, to multi-generational support, we narrowed our focus to the approaches most likely to embolden our work.

Amped Up in Partnership with Communities: Five Year Strategic Plan