Best Grants for Museums in New Hampshire

The Richard E. & Nancy P. Marriott Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities in Washington, D.C. by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on education, human services, and employment opportunities. With an emphasis on early childhood education, mentoring, and relief from hunger and homelessness, the Foundation awards approximately 150 grants annually, totaling around $1.8 million. They prioritize partnerships that foster community strength and individual dignity, especially for vulnerable populations, ensuring access to essential resources and job training.

New Hampshire snowmobile and off-highway recreational vehicle clubs seeking support for public trail projects in New Hampshire can access funding through the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. Grants may cover development, maintenance, construction, grooming, grading, and safety improvements for OHRV and snowmobile trails that serve public riders.

The NH Recreational Trails Program (RTP) offers competitive funding for public trail projects across New Hampshire, supporting motorized and non-motorized trails. Eligible applicants include non-profits, educational institutions, and government entities. RTP funds, derived from the Federal Highway Trust Fund, are designated for trail maintenance, construction, and development activities. Attendance at informational workshops is mandatory for applicants. This program aims to enhance recreational opportunities and ensure safe and accessible trails for all users.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The NH Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally funded program established in 1965, aimed at providing matching grants to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreational areas. With funding sourced entirely from offshore oil and gas leases, the program supports a legacy of quality recreational resources. Since its inception, the LWCF has allocated nearly $50 million to over 700 projects, ensuring public accessibility and sustainability in outdoor recreation.

What is Granite United Way?

Granite United Way is a nonprofit organization that makes strategic investments in our community to help people learn, earn, and be healthy. Our impact covers more than 85% of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. With the support of more than 22,000 donors and volunteers, we are working together to provide more than $14 million in support to over 400,000 individuals.

If you are concerned about issues in our community like homelessness, education gaps, and health disparities, you're not alone. Many of us want to make a meaningful difference, but aren't sure where to start.

At Granite United Way, we streamline that process by connecting your support to the most pressing issues in our community. We remove barriers and create opportunities for people to make a positive impact in our community. When you partner with us, you help meet critical needs and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.

Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP): Short-Term Responsive Grants

ranite United Way (GUW) administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) on behalf of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Through this program, $10 million in settlement funds will be invested over two years to support community-based efforts that prevent, reduce, and address the harms of the opioid crisis across New Hampshire. OACGP supports programs, partnerships, and community-led work that strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, school districts, and other eligible entities serving New Hampshire communities.

Grant Opportunities

• Short-Term Responsive Grants:
  • Up to $15,000 for timely projects that address emerging needs, fill gaps, or strengthen community capacity.

New Hampshire K–12 schools, districts, and youth-serving organizations offering out-of-school academic enrichment can apply for New Hampshire Department of Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grants; awards More than US $50,000 for expanded learning programs. Museums partnering with high-poverty schools on after-school, arts, STEM, or youth development activities may be eligible collaborators.

Granite United Way administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) to combat the opioid crisis in New Hampshire. This initiative allocates $10 million over two years to support community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and governmental entities dedicated to improving community well-being. The program aims to create lasting positive change by addressing critical health and social issues related to opioid abuse.

Granite United Way's Community Response Grants provide essential short-term funding to nonprofits in New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. Aiming to strengthen community well-being, these grants address pressing needs like homelessness and education gaps. By supporting general operations and service continuity, GUW empowers organizations to respond rapidly to emerging challenges. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, fostering resilience and positive change within local communities. Together, we can create lasting impacts and uplift those in need.

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund's Grow Grant supports community-based initiatives in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. This grant is designed for groups with local grassroots projects, prioritizing those with diverse voices and limited access to other funding sources. Eligible groups may not need formal tax status, but must maintain a checking account. This funding aims to enhance community engagement and empower local decision-making.

The New England Grassroots Fund offers SEED Grants to support community-driven projects in New England, particularly those initiated by groups with limited resources and experience. These grants aim to empower organizations that represent diverse voices in their communities and focus on local environmental issues. Eligible applicants include grassroots organizations without formal tax status, emphasizing the fund's commitment to accessible funding for innovative, grassroots solutions.

The New Hampshire Joint Promotional Grant Program (JPP) aims to enhance tourism through funding promotional initiatives. Eligible organizations, including chambers of commerce and tourism groups, can apply for grants to develop projects that position New Hampshire as a premier year-round vacation destination. The program encourages collaboration and requires matching funds, fostering sustainable tourism growth and economic stability in the state.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Smyth Trust, established in 1949 by Marion C. Smyth in memory of her husband, Frederick Smyth, supports cultural enrichment and educational opportunities in music for Greater Manchester youth. Offering scholarships to students from local high schools and grants to music organizations, the Trust aims to foster musical talent and appreciation. It ensures that deserving candidates, regardless of financial circumstances, can pursue their passion in music, reflecting the legacy of community service and infrastructure development initiated by Frederick Smyth.

The Madelaine G. von Weber Trust Grant supports impactful charitable projects across New Hampshire, honoring Mrs. von Weber's legacy. The Trust seeks innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance community welfare through funding for diverse initiatives, including environmental conservation, arts, and social services. With a focus on capital projects that promise lasting benefits, the Trust encourages applications from well-governed 501(c)(3) nonprofits that demonstrate strong community support and a clear rationale for funding needs.

New Hampshire museums and other charitable or educational 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Cogswell Benevolent Trust for programs that aid, assist, educate, or improve public resources. Public agencies and other tax-exempt institutions may also apply; proposals are accepted year-round, and most funded programs are based in New Hampshire.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The David M. Brooks Music Fund aims to enhance music education in New Hampshire's public schools by providing funding for musical instruction, equipment, and programs. Established by David M. Brooks, a U.S. Army veteran and music enthusiast, this fund supports K-12 public schools in promoting light classical music and voice, ensuring future generations have access to enriching musical experiences.

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

New Hampshire medical students conducting clinical, laboratory, epidemiology, health services, leadership, or professionalism research can access funding through Alpha Omega Alpha’s Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship; awards US $7,000 for 2–12 month projects. First- and second-year students at schools with active AΩA chapters or associations may be eligible.

New Hampshire museums and other state-based organizations can apply for the Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food’s Integrated Pest Management Program Grants to support pest management education and practices in their facilities. Funding supports projects that promote IPM in buildings, including schools and public spaces, and may benefit museum collections and visitor safety.

New Hampshire municipalities and 501(c) nonprofits can obtain matching grants to permanently conserve significant natural, cultural, and historic lands through fee acquisition or conservation easements. With a mission to protect key resources, New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) supports projects that preserve working lands, wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and scenic or historic landscapes that may benefit museum-related properties.