The Mary Gale Foundation Awards Over $700,000 to Support Local Nonprofits
The Mary Gale Foundation has awarded over $700,000 in 2026 to support nonprofit organizations and programs that provide direct services, including housing and healthcare, to low-income women 65 and older in the Greater Manchester area (Auburn, Bedford, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Manchester, and Merrimack).
2026 grant recipients include:
- Amoskeag Health
- Community Action Program, Belknap Merrimack Counties
- Community Caregivers of Greater Derry
- Easterseals NH
- Future in Sight
- Manchester Housing & Redevelopment Authority
- NH Catholic Charities
- Hillsborough County Meals on Wheels
- The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester
- Victory Women of Vision
- Waypoint
As part of their grant, Easterseals NH administers the Mary Gale Flex Fund. This fund helps pay for short term services/items generally not covered by any other sources such as medication, food, in-home assistance, clothing, and minor appliances. If you or someone you know could benefit from this Fund, please contact Easterseals NH at MaryGaleFlexFund@eastersealsnh.org or call 603-621-3536.
Laurie Duff, Director of Senior Services at Easterseals NH, sees the impact of this support every day through the organization’s Care Coordination program.
“The lifelines offered to women through the Care Coordination program often point them towards assisted independence, making healthier choices for themselves, or finding answers to a more purposeful way to spend their remaining years. Once we address their basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and safety, then we work to create natural supports, connection, and better choices. The changes don’t happen overnight, but it's beautiful to be a part of the progress.”
For many participants, even a small intervention can be life-changing. One 82-year old Goffstown resident shared how the support she received transformed her outlook:
“For a lot of years, I really thought no one even cared if I existed or not. The opportunity I have been given to receive a mattress to sleep on and housing that is safe, has made all the difference and changed my outlook for the future, I never thought this would be possible.”
In 2023, the Mary Gale Foundation partnered with Granite United Way to enhance its grantmaking efforts. This collaboration has streamlined the application process for nonprofit partners while strengthening community impact. Earlier this year, the Mary Gale Foundation Board voted to extend its collaboration with Granite United Way through 2028.
Mary Gale Foundation Board Members:
- Sarah Ambrogi, Esq. - Chair
- Colleen Barbarita, CPA - Treasurer
- Chris Barnes, MSFP, CFP
- Moriah Billups
- Kathleen Bizarro-Thunberg, MBA, FACHE
- Steve Dalton, CFP
- Dan Murphy, CPA
- Alison Perrella, CPA
- Bernie Seifert, MSW
- Patrick Tufts, MSW
- Meredith Young, MSW