Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in New Hampshire

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health and human services, dental care, food assistance, homeless shelters, or youth camperships can receive US $1,000 - US $7,500 for capital and operating needs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust also support similar organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont serving people in need.

New Hampshire housing and community organizations serving low- and moderate-income residents can access grants and low-interest financing for solar and other clean energy projects through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, with awards from US $20,000 - US $150,000. Funding supports capital projects that reduce energy costs and expand long-term clean energy investments in community facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in New Hampshire may be eligible for funding to launch or expand their work. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, by invitation following a letter of inquiry.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact innovation, nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in New Hampshire can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions benefiting underserved communities. Organizations should be post-pilot, under 10 years old, and working toward significant, measurable impact and growth.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct social services that reduce chronic poverty and strengthen families can apply for more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital needs, or general operations. Focused on proven, scalable solutions, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors larger, well-established organizations serving broad populations across the U.S.

New Hampshire nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities running community, health, education, arts, environmental, or human services programs can access funding through Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation. Support focuses on projects benefiting communities in Strafford and Rockingham Counties, excluding operating costs, scholarships, political or religious activities, and events or trips outside the bank’s operating area.

Grants from New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority help New Hampshire municipalities plan and implement community development, housing, public facilities, and economic development projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents, with awards up to US $100,000. Cities and counties can apply and may sub-grant to nonprofits for activities like infrastructure, affordable housing, and microenterprise support.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including New Hampshire. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, disaster relief, food and housing support, child and women’s health, and social services, prioritizing vulnerable populations and high-impact, on-the-ground partners.

New Hampshire nonprofit organizations working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, and not individuals or political or lobbying efforts.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants support basic needs, workforce development and education, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, sports, and diversity and inclusion efforts that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities across the U.S.

Focused on waste management and recycling, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services invites New Hampshire municipalities, government entities, nonprofits, and eligible private inspection stations to apply for gift grants. Awards up to US $5,000 support establishing, improving, or operating used oil collection centers and transporting collected oil to licensed recyclers.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, health, human services, community development, or the arts can apply for funding from the Rogers Family Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 prioritize program support in Southeastern New Hampshire communities such as Derry, Londonderry, Salem, and neighboring towns.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Eligible New Hampshire conservation districts, municipalities, K–12 schools, scout groups, and qualified nonprofits can apply for the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food’s Conservation Grant Program, with awards up to US $35,000 for on-the-ground projects. Funding supports tangible work in water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, best management practices, conservation planning, and land protection.

Rurally located public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in New Hampshire can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for drinking water emergencies. Funding covers waterline extensions, repairs, and new water sources or treatment facilities in eligible low-income rural areas.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural New Hampshire can seek funding for water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater infrastructure projects. USDA: Rural Development supports acquisition, construction, and improvement of systems, plus related costs like engineering, land and water rights, start-up operations, and necessary equipment in eligible rural areas.

New Hampshire public entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes serving rural communities can obtain funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including acquisition, construction, or improvement of systems. These USDA Rural Development grants may benefit nonprofits needing clean drinking water, sewer, solid waste, or stormwater facilities in eligible small towns and rural areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services in New Hampshire can apply for The TJX Foundation’s grants if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Eligible groups complete an online questionnaire, then may be invited to submit a letter of inquiry and full application.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofits and community partners working on farming, food systems, or social science projects in New Hampshire and the broader Northeast can apply for Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education’s reimbursement-based Farming Community Grant, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports community-level research and education that improves the health and sustainability of agricultural communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) conservation and community nonprofits, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in New Hampshire can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians grants, offering up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisitions. Funding covers capital, project development, stewardship, legal, and community engagement costs for resilient, connected Appalachian landscapes with clear community benefits.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, with awards up to US $200,000 for technical assistance and training that benefit small rural businesses. Funding can support planning, facilities, revolving loan funds, incubators, transportation, and broader community and technology-based economic development projects.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize and elevate their collaborative impact. This national competition honors exemplary, replicable partnerships improving lives and addressing significant social issues, and New Hampshire nonprofits with standout collaborations may be competitive candidates.