Best Grants for Community Service Projects in New Hampshire

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, human services, homeless shelters, food pantries, dental care, or youth camperships can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500. Grants support capital and operating needs that strengthen community service projects for vulnerable children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Large Grants Program offers funding to strengthen communities in Coös County, NH, and bordering areas. With a focus on economic development, community resiliency, and education, the fund supports projects that enhance cultural assets, promote sustainable resource use, and address basic needs. Grants range from $20,000 to $300,000, requiring a pre-application consultation. The foundation aims to empower underserved populations and foster connections within the community.

Municipalities in New Hampshire seeking to improve community facilities, housing, or economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority. Cities, towns, and counties may sub-grant up to US $500,000 to nonprofits or other entities for community development, job creation, microenterprise support, and related planning activities.

Local governments in New Hampshire seeking funding for community development, housing, public facilities, or economic development projects serving low- and moderate-income residents can apply for planning and transformative planning grants; awards up to US $100,000. Grants from New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority help municipalities plan community service and revitalization projects that may later involve nonprofit partners.

New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning capital projects in environmental conservation, the arts, or social services can apply for funding to strengthen community programs and infrastructure. Grants from Ud Madelaine G Vonweber help New Hampshire organizations pursue energy efficiency, innovative initiatives, and challenge or matching campaigns that expand impact and community service reach.

New Hampshire community and economic development organizations can seek funding for infrastructure, workforce, and revitalization projects that strengthen local economies. Grants from Northern Border Regional Commission help New Hampshire groups modernize water and wastewater systems, improve transportation, expand workforce training facilities, and increase access to childcare, healthcare, and outdoor recreation assets within eligible counties.

Nonprofit organizations and partners working on sustainable farming and food systems in New Hampshire can apply for reimbursement-based grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports community-level social science research and education projects that improve agricultural community health, marketing, production, climate-related practices, and overall farm and food system sustainability.

Public entities in New Hampshire seeking to conserve or improve access to publicly owned artworks or historic cultural facilities can apply for the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts’ Conservation License Plate Grant, awarding US $2,000 - US $30,000. Projects that enhance public access to arts spaces or documents serving community programming may be eligible.

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.

Focused on community development, Mascoma Bank Foundation invites New Hampshire nonprofits to seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 for capital projects and infrastructure improvements. Eligible organizations in the Connecticut River Valley and I-89 corridor can fund facility upgrades, new construction, or capital campaigns that strengthen long-term community impact and organizational resilience.

Grants from New Hampshire Women’s Foundation help New Hampshire community organizations launch or grow projects that build community among women and girls of color and advance racial justice and equity. New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits can request up to US $2,000 for efforts like peer support, mentoring, advocacy, education, experiential learning, or related art projects.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in New Hampshire can apply for Hillman Family Foundations’ Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation support for arts, education, human services, and environmental initiatives. Organizations in the Squam Lakes region working on conservation, environmental education, or access may be especially relevant for community service projects in New Hampshire.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)/(c)(4), governmental, and academic organizations in New Hampshire can receive up to US $2,000 to support oral health education, preventive care programs, clinics, workforce development, or research. Northeast Delta Dental Foundation provides funding that may benefit community service projects improving access to quality dental care.

New Hampshire municipalities planning community development, housing, or public facility projects for low- and moderate-income residents can seek up to US $750,000 through this program. New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority administers federal CDBG funds that may be sub-granted to nonprofits for water and sewer upgrades, shelters, accessibility improvements, and affordable housing rehabilitation across the state.

New Hampshire and nearby 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups supporting children, families, and community development can seek funding for general operations, projects, capital needs, or event sponsorships. Couch Family Foundation prioritizes organizations in the Upper Valley and Martha’s Vineyard with strong leadership, collaborative approaches, and a focus on equity, early childhood, and vibrant, inclusive communities.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities can apply for Rock On Foundation’s organizational grants, awarding up to US $5,000 to expand community athletic or artistic opportunities. Projects like court renovations, youth sports, music education, and after-school arts that demonstrate clear financial need may benefit community service efforts across the state.

Nonprofits, school districts, and New Hampshire governmental entities addressing opioid-related harms can apply for short-term responsive grants up to US $15,000 to meet emerging community needs. With a mission to strengthen community health and wellbeing, Granite United Way provides New Hampshire community service projects with support for prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term wellbeing efforts.

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.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community-led programs that prevent or heal adverse childhood experiences can access funding through Amerihealth Caritas Foundation; awards range from US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year, project-specific work. Eligible projects support children’s health, family empowerment, and healthcare access in communities with many Medicaid enrollees.

New Hampshire State Council on the Arts

The State Arts Council was established in 1965 as the official state arts agency with legislation (RSA 19-A) designed "to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the welfare and educational experience of our citizens." The NHSCA is advised by a 15-member council that meets at least four times a year. Councilors are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Executive Council.

Funding for competitive grants and program services to benefit New Hampshire's citizens is made possible through appropriations from the New Hampshire State Legislature and from a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The State of New Hampshire also accepts private, tax-deductible donations and bequests that may be designated for the sole purpose of helping the Arts Council fulfill its enabling legislation.

Arts Project Grants

Arts Project Grants support initiatives that use the arts to strengthen communities.

Arts Project Grants support initiatives that use the arts to strengthen communities and individual wellbeing, enrich K–12 learning, and promote values that encourage creativity and positive impact for the project participants, ultimately helping to build stronger communities across New Hampshire. The intended program recipients are individuals across New Hampshire, including students, families, older adults, individuals with disabilities, military and veterans, law enforcement, and those experiencing physical or mental health challenges. By expanding access to arts experiences that inform, educate, and foster strong, healthy communities, the program reflects the Arts Council’s commitment to supporting meaningful, high-quality arts engagement for all.

In accordance with the program’s funding priorities, proposals from schools, hospitals, mental health providers, facilities that assist military and/or veterans, law enforcement, and municipalities will be reviewed with elevated weighting to support services that directly benefit community well-being.

Focused on community development, this program invites New Hampshire 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities to request US $1,000 - US $10,000 for substantial local projects. The Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement supports efforts such as affordable housing, health care, social services, arts, and programs for children, elders, and single-parent families, especially low- to moderate-income residents.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in New Hampshire can request up to US $10,000 for operating support or specific community service projects through the Responsive Grants program. Focused on community development and nonprofit capacity, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers a streamlined, rolling process with funding decisions in about 15–20 business days.

Nonprofits and community organizations in New Hampshire serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, or the elderly can apply for Adelard And Valeda Roy Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support environment, health and welfare, arts and culture, education, and church-based basic needs projects that strengthen local community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Strafford County residents with access-to-care services in New Hampshire can receive up to US $10,000 in one-year general operating support. The Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation, a supporting organization of New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, prioritizes collaborative projects and those addressing maternal health within community service efforts.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural New Hampshire can seek funding to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. USDA Rural Development supports projects such as community centers, public safety buildings, child care centers, and local food system infrastructure in eligible small communities with demonstrated local support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing dental, maternal, or mental and behavioral health services in Strafford County, New Hampshire can receive up to US $25,000 for one-year project support. Grants from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation help New Hampshire community service providers expand access to critical health care for local residents.

New Hampshire nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and state-recognized charities running shooting sports, firearms safety, or marksmanship education programs can access funding via The NRA Foundation. Eligible community service projects may include youth education, hunting and firearms safety training, or research that improves firearms safety and public marksmanship facilities.