New Hampshire Children's Health Foundation was formed as the result of the merger between Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Hampshire and the Matthew Thornton Health Plan. The Foundation, incorporated in October of 1997, is organized and operates exclusively for charitable purposes and has assets of approximately $24,000,000. The Foundation was formed to acquire health care insurance for residents of New Hampshire and to prevent health risks for children through age five and their families. The foundation provides grants to support policy research and advocacy, and efforts that result in policy, system, and environment changes that promote health and prevent disease. Grants are awarded to community and statewide organizations that best meet these objectives.