Best Grants for the Arts in New Hampshire

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

New Hampshire arts and culture nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities can access funding through Kennebunk Savings Bank Foundation for programs that benefit communities in Strafford and Rockingham Counties. Support is available year-round for visual and performing arts, museums, theaters, and related cultural initiatives that align with the foundation’s Community Promise goals.

New Hampshire arts and culture nonprofits and other tax-exempt entities in Coös County and nearby border communities can access funding through New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants; awards US $250 - US $2,000 for short-term projects like events, field trips, consultants, or equipment that support community and economic revitalization.

Nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire offering education, arts, or community programs can apply for Nordson Corporation Foundation’s invitation-only grants, supporting curriculum, enrichment, and job-readiness initiatives. Arts and culture groups that advance educational access, youth involvement in the arts, or art education in New Hampshire may be eligible community partners.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

New Hampshire arts and culture nonprofits, 501(c)(3)s, and public or municipal agencies can seek project or capital funding for arts and humanities work serving Manchester and Amherst communities. Through the Norwin S. & Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, organizations with well-planned, sustainable initiatives that expand access to underserved groups may be eligible.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

New Hampshire arts and culture nonprofits can access funding for programs that enrich local quality of life, with awards up to US $5,000. Merrimack County Savings Bank Foundation focuses on 501(c)(3) organizations serving its assessment area communities, including Concord, Nashua, and surrounding towns, and also considers statewide groups benefiting these locales.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering arts, education, health, human services, or community development programs can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 in program-focused support, especially in Southeastern New Hampshire communities. Focused on regional impact, Rogers Family Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving towns such as Derry, Salem, Londonderry, and neighboring Merrimack Valley and North Shore areas.

Arts and culture nonprofits in New Hampshire can apply for Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support arts access, education, and historic preservation, especially for disadvantaged youth and elderly audiences. Organizations serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, or seniors may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing dental, maternal, or mental and behavioral health care 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 organizations expand access to critical health services, which may benefit arts and culture groups that integrate health-focused programming for local residents.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) organizations running projects led by and serving women and girls of color can access funding through the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation to advance racial justice, equity, and community-building. Grants up to US $2,000 support seed projects such as peer support, mentoring, experiential learning, advocacy, education, or art initiatives, including arts-focused work in New Hampshire.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts and culture, history, education, land conservation, healthcare, social services, museums, or libraries in and around Portsmouth, Kittery, and the Isles of Shoals can apply for Rosamond Thaxter Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $3,000. New Hampshire arts organizations near Rockingham County may be especially well positioned.

New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking funding for capital projects in the arts, music, or cultural programming may be eligible for this support. Grants from Ud Madelaine G Vonweber help New Hampshire arts and social service organizations with well-conceived, impactful projects, including energy efficiency improvements and challenge or matching grants that strengthen long-term sustainability.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving socioeconomically disadvantaged immigrants, refugees, asylees, and youth through immigrant services or workforce and K-12 education programs can seek multi-year operating support, with awards up to US $150,000. With a mission to expand opportunity, Clowes Fund provides Introductory and Continuation Grants for work in priority New Hampshire counties.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies can receive up to US $15,000 to present touring performing artists through the New England States Touring (NEST) program. New England Foundation for the Arts supports public performances, readings, screenings, and community engagement activities, including projects serving rural and BIPOC communities, with artists from New England, the nation, or abroad.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) public charities working in the arts, including visual and performing arts, may be eligible for funding from Hillman Family Foundations to support programs and projects. Grants from the Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation prioritize organizations in the Squam Lakes region, alongside broader support for arts, education, human services, and environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, plus governmental and academic institutions in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont can apply for Northeast Delta Dental Foundation grants up to US $2,000 for oral health programs. Funding may support education, preventive care, clinics, professional training, research, or workforce initiatives that could benefit arts-focused organizations incorporating dental health outreach.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

New Hampshire schools and community partners offering out-of-school academic enrichment and youth development programs, including arts and cultural activities, can apply for more than US $50,000 through the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC grant. With a mission to enhance K–12 learning, New Hampshire Department of Education provides funding for tutoring, STEM, arts, recreation, and family literacy services.

With a mission to make the world better for future generations, the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund provides New Hampshire arts and culture nonprofits with broad program support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in New Hampshire may apply, alongside other New England and New York nonprofits working in education, environment, health, human services, religion, and civic benefit.

New Hampshire public entities and stewards of publicly owned artworks or historic cultural facilities can apply for the Conservation License Plate (“Moose Plate”) grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $30,000 for conservation, preservation, and improved public access projects. Funding from New Hampshire State Council on the Arts supports artworks, archives, and arts-programming sites across the state.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities increasing community artistic or athletic opportunities can apply for Rock On Foundation’s organizational grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Programs such as public art projects, arts education, and community music or after-school arts initiatives in New Hampshire may be competitive if they demonstrate clear financial need.

New Hampshire and Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek $500 to $5,000 to support arts and culture projects, programs, or capital needs that enhance community quality of life. Grants from Claremont Savings Bank prioritize its CRA banking area but also consider surrounding counties, and may benefit civic, health, housing, and social service initiatives with arts components.

New Hampshire arts and culture organizations can receive US $1,000 - US $6,000 for projects that use the arts to support health, healing, and public health outcomes. Focus areas include participatory arts programs, artist residencies, and community-based initiatives that benefit underserved populations and address public health priorities across the state.

New Hampshire arts and community organizations can access funding through the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts to run projects that strengthen communities and individual wellbeing. Grants of US $2,000 - US $75,000 support arts initiatives that enrich K–12 learning, expand arts access, and benefit residents including students, families, older adults, veterans, and people facing health challenges.

Focused on community development, this program invites New Hampshire 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities to apply for US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support substantial local projects. Administered through the Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement, it backs initiatives such as arts and humanities, affordable housing, health care, social services, and programs for children, elders, and families.