Best Grants for Community Service Projects in New Hampshire

The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Grants provide essential financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focusing on Health and Welfare, Dental Health, Camperships, Education, and Homeless Shelters. With a history of over 81 years, the Trust aims to assist those in need, especially in underserved populations. While they are currently not accepting unsolicited requests from colleges and universities, they continue to support initiatives that enhance community welfare and educational opportunities.

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides essential funding for economic development projects in New Hampshire. Aimed at enhancing communities, it supports initiatives such as public facilities improvements, affordable housing, job creation, and microenterprise development. These grants empower low and moderate-income individuals by financing infrastructure, training, and entrepreneurial support, fostering sustainable growth and revitalization in eligible municipalities.

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program offers financial assistance to eligible municipalities for planning and transformative projects aimed at improving community viability. Grants support public facilities, affordable housing, economic development, and microenterprise initiatives, prioritizing low and moderate-income populations. With a focus on innovative solutions and partnerships, the program encourages municipalities to address pressing community needs effectively. The funding is administered by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority and is available on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated.

The Mascoma Bank Foundation, established in 1988 with a $1 million endowment, has awarded over $6 million in grants to enhance community well-being in the Connecticut River Valley and beyond. The Foundation prioritizes projects that ensure long-term growth and resilience for nonprofit organizations in its service area, including infrastructure improvements and new constructions that foster sustainable community development.

The Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation Grant aims to enhance health and healing for communities through investments in the arts, education, human services, and environmental initiatives. With a focus on Pittsburgh, PA, Santa Barbara, CA, and Squam Lakes, NH, the foundation accepts grant applications year-round, with deadlines of January 5 for June funding and July 1 for November funding. The foundation prioritizes projects from new organizations within these regions.

The NHWF: Women and Girls of Color Fund Grant supports projects led by and serving women and girls of color in New Hampshire. With only 1.9% of philanthropic dollars directed towards women and girls, this fund aims to address the funding gap by providing small, quarterly grants of up to $2,000. This initiative encourages community-based solutions, ensuring women and girls of color play a significant role in project planning and implementation, fostering equity and justice.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers Responsive Grants to nonprofits in New Hampshire and select areas in Maine and Vermont. Grants of up to $10,000 can support operating expenses or specific initiatives addressing community needs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated within 15–20 business days. This program encourages timely support for organizations aiming to improve community welfare and is designed for streamlined access to funding as needs arise.

The NH Volunteer Engagement Program offers mini-grants to eligible organizations aimed at enhancing volunteer capacity through training, technology, and program development. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, these grants support projects focused on affordable housing, mental health, and food security in New Hampshire. Organizations can apply for specific needs, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Priority will be given to those serving underserved communities and demonstrating a clear need for capacity building.

The Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants aim to enhance oral health care access and education in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on improving awareness of good oral health, preventive care, and accessibility of dental services. Grants typically cover one year and prioritize projects that serve disadvantaged populations. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations that align with its oral health mission.

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides essential funding to improve public facilities and support affordable housing initiatives across New Hampshire. Administered by the Community Development Finance Authority, the grants aim to enhance economic opportunities and meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. Key focus areas include financing for municipal infrastructure, water and sewer improvements, and housing rehabilitation projects, ensuring community revitalization and support for vulnerable populations.

The Couch Family Foundation supports nonprofits in the Upper Valley and Martha's Vineyard, focusing on enhancing child and family well-being through equitable opportunities. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, community impact, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants are available for various needs, including general operating, project funding, and capital support, with an emphasis on collaborative community change.

The NH Volunteer Engagement Program Grants provide essential funding to organizations in New Hampshire that seek to enhance their volunteer capacity. With grants ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, these funds support projects aimed at recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers effectively. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions. Projects must demonstrate sustainability beyond the funding period and align with priority areas like affordable housing and mental health, fostering community engagement through volunteerism.

The NBRC Catalyst Program aims to stimulate economic growth in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York by funding innovative projects that address regional economic needs. It supports initiatives like modernizing public services, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and developing workforce programs. By fostering partnerships and leveraging private investments, the program seeks to alleviate economic distress and improve rural vitality, ultimately leading to job creation and sustainable community development.

The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Manchester and Amherst, New Hampshire, focusing on arts, education, health, and more. The foundation prioritizes projects that address significant community needs, enhance service capacity, and promote collaboration among organizations. While capital support is available, it typically does not exceed 3-4% of total campaign goals. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant to apply again.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in Vermont and New Hampshire provides essential funding for rural areas to develop community facilities. This program aims to enhance local services by financing construction and improvements of facilities like health care centers, public safety buildings, and educational institutions. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations, with varying grant assistance percentages based on community income levels and population size. Applications are accepted year-round, but early submission is encouraged.

The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation offers a Small Grants Program aimed at improving access to care for residents of Strafford County, New Hampshire. Nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $10,000 in general operating support for initiatives addressing challenges like substance use disorder, food security, and maternal health. This program prioritizes collaborative projects and is nonrenewable, providing funding for one year.

The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation offers targeted grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing access to dental, maternal, and mental health care in Strafford County, New Hampshire. Established with proceeds from the Frisbie Memorial Hospital sale, this foundation aims to improve community health and well-being. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, while those outside Strafford County may apply if they serve the area.

The Autism Community Impact Grant by the Flutie Foundation supports not-for-profit organizations that enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. In 2023, the grant focuses on underserved and culturally diverse communities, funding programs that make an immediate impact. Eligible projects include educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities, as well as support services. The Foundation encourages applications that serve those profoundly affected by autism, aiming to improve their quality of life.

The NRA Foundation in New Hampshire supports educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. Grants are available for organizations that promote firearms safety, education in shooting sports, and conduct research to improve safety and marksmanship. Eligible applicants must have an EIN and can include nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the community and adhere to its mission of fostering safe firearm use and education.

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.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The NHSCA ARTS Conservation License Plate Grant, offered by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, supports projects aimed at conserving publicly owned artworks and historic cultural facilities. This initiative ensures that significant cultural heritage is preserved for community access and enjoyment. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies. The grant encourages projects that enhance public access to the arts, while maintaining the integrity of original artworks and facilities.

The Rock On Foundation, established in 2013 by brothers Luke and Matt Bonner, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that enhances community artistic and athletic opportunities in New Hampshire. Recent projects include renovating public basketball courts, supporting music school financial aid, developing after-school art programs, and funding life skills camps for underprivileged youth. The foundation welcomes grant applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities, ensuring all initiatives foster community engagement and development.

The Claremont Savings Bank Foundation Grant supports local non-profits enhancing community quality of life and economic vitality. Since 2003, it has awarded over $2.7 million in grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) approved and serve the Bank's CRA area, with a focus on civic, arts, social services, health, and affordable housing. The Foundation prioritizes community-impact projects, while excluding individuals, political, or religious organizations.

The NHSCA Art in Health Project Grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance health and healing in underserved communities in New Hampshire. With two distinct tracks, the Health & Healing Track focuses on non-clinical arts engagement for individual healing, while the Public Health Track aims to address public health needs through collaborative arts activities. Both tracks promote social cohesion and awareness of health determinants, fostering healthier environments for all.

The Fund for Community Advancement Grant Program, established by Franklin Savings Bank in 1997, aims to enhance community life by supporting diverse projects. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, and social services, particularly for low to moderate income families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or government subdivisions. The program encourages impactful initiatives within Franklin and surrounding communities.