Our History
Established in 1984 following the sale of Portsmouth Hospital to Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), the Foundation for Seacoast Health works to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the Seacoast region of New Hampshire and southern Maine. It also plays an important role in supporting the long-term strength of Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and continues to serve in a leadership capacity in hospital governance.
In 1999, the Foundation developed the Community Campus, one of the country’s first multi-tenant nonprofit centers. For over 20 years, the Community Campus served as a cornerstone of the Seacoast nonprofit community, housing dozens of organizations and fostering collaboration and shared services. In 2022, the Foundation sold the Campus to the City of Portsmouth, ensuring its continued support for area nonprofits.
Today, the Foundation’s work is guided by its 2024 Strategic Plan, with a focus on mental and behavioral health, healthy aging, career pathways, and the conditions that shape community health. Our work continues to evolve through grantmaking, convening, and community partnerships.