Best Grants for Preschools in New Hampshire

The Cyanotoxin Monitoring Equipment and Training Grants, offered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, support public water systems in monitoring cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in surface water sources. Since 2017, these grants have funded essential equipment like fluorometers and microscope cameras, and assist in developing Quality Assurance Project Plans. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and various associations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring continuous support for water quality initiatives.

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.

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.

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.

The Davis Family Foundation Implementation Grants support innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning at accredited colleges in New England. Established in 1985, the foundation has awarded over $140 million to improve educational outcomes and reduce costs. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission. Funded projects typically focus on curriculum improvement, faculty development, and collaborative cost-reduction efforts, all aimed at enriching the undergraduate experience.

The New Hampshire Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant provides federal funding for academic enrichment and support services for students in high poverty schools. It aims to enhance student learning through tutoring, mentoring, and a range of extracurricular activities. Families also benefit from educational development opportunities. This initiative is part of the broader effort to meet educational standards and improve outcomes for youth in the state.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

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 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.

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 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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Music Drives Us Performance Grant supports talented musicians in New England by providing funding for free concert series in schools, after-school programs, and public spaces. With a mission to enhance music education, the grant allows musicians to receive compensation for their time and expenses while delivering educational experiences to underserved communities. Organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000, ensuring that music remains an accessible and enriching part of children's lives.

The Music Drives Us Instrument Grant supports schools and nonprofit organizations in New England by providing instruments for music education. This initiative aims to foster musical opportunities in underserved communities, ensuring that children have access to quality music programs. Eligible applicants include public and private schools, charter schools, hospitals, and community centers, allowing for a broad impact on the musical landscape. Grants provide brand-new instruments, enhancing the educational experience for future musicians.

The Music Drives Us Organizational Grant, offered by the Boch Family Foundation, aims to enhance music education across New England. This grant supports organizations that use music as an educational tool, particularly those facing funding cuts. With a maximum award of $10,000, it is designed for a variety of institutions including schools, hospitals, and community centers, ensuring that music opportunities are accessible to all age groups and backgrounds.

The Rising Stars Awards, an initiative by Stay Work Play in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio, honors exceptional young individuals and businesses in New Hampshire that attract and retain talent aged 40 and under. With seven categories including Artist of the Year and Young Person of the Year, these awards celebrate creativity, community impact, and innovation, recognizing those who contribute positively to the state and inspire future generations.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

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.

New Hampshire Department of Energy

The Department of Energy is New Hampshire’s newest state agency. In the State Budget that went into effect July 1, 2021, the New Hampshire General Court and Governor Sununu created the Department of Energy.

The Department was designed to “…improve the administration of state government by providing unified direction of policies, programs, and personnel in the field of energy and utilities, making possible increased efficiency and economies from integrated administration and operation of the various energy and utility related functions of the state government.”

Low-Moderate Income Solar Grant Program

Executive Summary

Pursuant to RSA 362-F:10 X, the New Hampshire Department of Energy (Department) issues this Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals for community solar photovoltaic (PV) projects that will provide direct benefits to New Hampshire low, moderate, or low and moderate income (LMI) residential electric customers who reside within the same electric distribution utility service territory. Proposals must present a comprehensive plan that clearly demonstrates and quantifies the net direct benefits to participating LMI customers. Projects or portions of projects that have requested funds from the Department’s Non-residential Competitive Grant Program, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Renewable Energy Rebate Program, or Residential Renewable Electric Generation Incentive Program, are not eligible for funding under this solicitation. Projects or portions of projects that are designed to depend upon LMI EAP Community Solar designation are not eligible for funding under this solicitation. 

The Department is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, entities, or multiple entities for community solar projects that would provide direct benefits to LMI residential electric customers or to residents of a public housing authority or housing project. For the purposes of this RFP, a residential electric customer is a residential customer of an electric utility that receives electric bills in the customer’s name.

Community Development Finance Authority

The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide, nonprofit authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development, and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan, and equity programs.

Low-Moderate Income Solar Grant Program

This program will expand opportunities for New Hampshire residents with limited income to access the benefits of solar and other cost saving energy resources, through housing and community organizations who provide support to these residents. Funding will include grants and coordinated low-interest financing. The program intends to meet the following objectives:

• Provide financing that creates new opportunities for low-and-moderate income (LMI) households to access cost saving energy technologies in their housing or through the community facilities that serve them. These households must benefit from associated cost reductions or benefits as outlined in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) guidance for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and owners of properties participating in HUD Multifamily Assisted Housing programs regarding the treatment of financial benefits received from participation in community solar energy programs or the presence of on-site solar facilities.

• Enable organizations that are already planning capital projects and serving residents from low-andmoderate income households to expand their long-term facilities investments by supporting their transition to clean energy.

• Afford the opportunity for non-taxable entities that have eligible projects with the benefits of owning a solar system to increase access to cost saving energy project financing by providing a single source for grant and loan resources.

• Leverage public and private capital from CDFA’s existing financing resources.

Each applicant entity is eligible to receive one award through this program.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.