OVERVIEW: The Couch Family Foundation supports children’s health and well-being, early learning and development, family resiliency and community vibrancy in New England.
FUNDING AREAS: Children and youth, health, early childhood education, self-sufficiency, community
IP TAKE: This is a good New England funder to know for new initiatives and pilot projects, as well as organizational capacity building for early childhood-focused nonprofits.
PROFILE: The Couch Family Foundation is a family foundation based in Boston, Massachusetts. This is the foundation of Richard (Dick) and Barbara Couch. Dick Couch co-founded Hypertherm, a Hanover, New Hampshire industrial company that specializes in plasma, laser, and waterjet systems, software, motion controls and consumables. CFF is managed by Mott Philanthropic. The foundation aims to "create quality opportunities for children and families to learn and thrive so that they develop healthy, fulfilling lives.” It funds local efforts for children’s health and well-being, early learning and development, family resiliency and community vibrancy.
The Couch Family Foundation’s early childhood strategy has a cross-sector approach that addresses high-quality early childhood education, children’s physical and mental health and family strengthening for parents and caregivers. CFF is also involved in community research related to early education and care needs in the foundation’s home region. CFF awards community grants to first-time and returning applicants seeking project support and annual grants for unrestricted support or event sponsorship for current grantees. It also provides early childhood education grants for quality improvement plans, access expansion for low-income families and capital expenses.
Grants range between about $3,000 and $10,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Upper Valley Region of New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Martha’s Vineyard region. Areas of primary focus are Grafton County and Sullivan County in New Hampshire and Orange County and Windsor County in Vermont. Past local grantees include the American Precision Museum, Ava Art Gallery and Art Center and the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. CFF has quarterly application periods and deadlines that typically occur in early January, April, July and October. The funder uses an online application system and does not require an initial letter of intent. Direct general questions to the staff at info@couchfoundation.org or 617-927-5731.
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