Best Sustainability Grants in New Hampshire

With a mission to improve health, this program provides New Hampshire nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for short-term projects that address urgent health needs or emerging opportunities. Sustainability-focused organizations whose work advances health equity or benefits NH residents broadly may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and educational organizations working on environmental and community sustainability in New Hampshire can receive up to US $500 for projects in areas like environment, health and wellness, food and shelter, and STEM. Hypertherm HOPE Foundation supports inclusive, non-discriminatory programs, with a focus on communities in the Upper Valley region of NH and VT.

New Hampshire nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups working on community and environmental sustainability in Coös County and nearby border communities can access funding through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants; awards US $250 - US $2,000 for short-term projects. Eligible uses include events, field trips, consultants, and equipment or furniture purchases.

New Hampshire organizations planning to install, operate, maintain, or renovate boat pumpout or dump station facilities in New Hampshire can access funding through New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Grants reimburse 75% of eligible project and operating costs for publicly available facilities, supporting cleaner recreational waters and broader environmental conservation efforts.

The NH Sea Grant Program Development Funding offers flexible financial support for innovative projects that align with coastal and marine priorities. Proposals can be submitted at any time, with a recommendation to apply three months before the project begins. Eligible applicants include educators, researchers, and nonprofit workers in New Hampshire. Funded projects may focus on research, educational initiatives, or partnerships that enhance coastal sustainability and community resilience.

Grassroots social justice and environmental justice groups in New Hampshire and the wider New England region can apply for Haymarket People's Fund’s Urgent Response Grants, offering up to US $5,000 for rapid responses to unforeseen crises or organizing opportunities. Small, frontline people-of-color-led organizations with anti-racism and anti-oppression practices are prioritized.

New Hampshire public entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes needing water, wastewater, solid waste, or stormwater infrastructure in rural areas can access funding through USDA Rural Development. Support covers acquisition, construction, or improvement of systems, plus related costs like land, engineering, permits, and start-up operations for financially sustainable, public-purpose projects that advance local environmental sustainability.

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.

Grants from Ud Madelaine G Vonweber help New Hampshire nonprofits fund capital projects in environmental conservation, energy efficiency, social services, and the arts. New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3) organizations with strong governance, community backing, and sustainable, well-conceived projects that promise lasting impact and leverage on the Trust’s investment may be eligible.

New Hampshire organizations and partners working on farming, food systems, and agricultural community sustainability can access reimbursement-based project funding through the Farming Community Grant Program. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports social science research and education that strengthens farm communities, marketing, production, livestock, aquaculture, climate and bioenergy efforts, with awards from US $50,000 - US $250,000 across the Northeast region.

New Hampshire organizations, agencies, and residents implementing integrated pest management projects can access funding through the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food to reduce pesticide use and related risks. Eligible projects include IPM education, school and building programs, urban multi-family housing initiatives, and seminars that support environmental conservation and public health statewide.

Eligible New Hampshire water suppliers, municipalities, nonprofits, and related public entities can apply for up to US $30,000 to plan and implement source water protection projects. These New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services grants support delineation, assessment, planning, implementation, and security measures that safeguard existing or planned public drinking water sources and advance local sustainability efforts.

Educational organizations and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New Hampshire can apply for Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation support to advance college readiness, access, and completion for underserved students. Programs serving New England residents, including research on post-secondary success and small program-related capital needs, may be eligible, which could benefit organizations integrating sustainability themes into higher education pathways.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public or municipal agencies seeking project or capital support in arts, education, environment, health, human services, or public benefit can apply, especially those serving Manchester and Amherst. These Bean Foundation grants may benefit sustainability and environmental conservation initiatives that address significant community needs and can be sustained over time.

New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environment, transportation, or related community needs can seek more than US $500 to support local programs. Hypertherm HOPE Foundation supports projects in the Upper Valley region of NH and VT across focus areas including environment and transportation, education, health and wellness, food, shelter and housing, STEM, disaster relief, and substance use disorder.

Emerging and established craft artists in Maine or New Hampshire can receive support for a seven‑month, 100‑hour one‑to‑one apprenticeship focused on skill-building, tools, and professional habits. Focused on artist training and development, Maine Arts Commission invites mentor–apprentice pairs to strengthen creative entrepreneurship and may benefit those pursuing sustainable craft careers. Awards are US $4,500.

New England independent documentary filmmakers seeking production or post-production support can access funding for long-form film and video projects through the LEF Foundation’s Moving Image Fund. New Hampshire creators may be eligible if primary creative personnel reside in New England and projects meet criteria for cinematic quality, originality, and feasibility; awards range from US $15,000 - US $25,000.

The NH Sea Grant is inviting proposals for research funding of up to $100K per year for projects addressing key focus areas such as sustainable fisheries, coastal ecosystems, and aquaculture. This funding cycle runs from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026. Proposals that integrate innovative research with outreach and education are encouraged, particularly those related to aquaculture, leveraging matching funds from NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program.

Undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students focused on HVAC&R-related studies in New Hampshire and other ASHRAE Region I states can receive up to US $3,000 for tuition support. With a mission to advance sustainable building technologies, ASHRAE provides this one-year scholarship for students at qualifying accredited programs or institutions with ASHRAE student branches.

With a mission to protect natural and cultural resources, the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program provides New Hampshire municipalities and 501(c) nonprofits with matching grants to permanently conserve land through fee acquisition or conservation easements. Projects that safeguard working lands, water sources, wildlife habitat, recreation areas, and historic or scenic landscapes may be eligible.

Students in New Hampshire studying plant sciences, ecology, environmental studies, forestry, horticulture, or related sustainability fields may be eligible for this scholarship supporting continued higher education. Focused on allied plant sciences, the Garden Club Federation Of Maine/Old York Garden Club offers US $3,000 to a full-time student who has completed at least one year of study.

Nonprofits, government entities, and school districts in New Hampshire can apply for Granite United Way’s Opioid Abatement Community Grants, with awards up to US $75,000 per year for multiyear projects. Funding supports community-based prevention, treatment, recovery, and systems-level efforts that may benefit sustainability-focused organizations addressing public health and community wellbeing.

Communities, nonprofits, and local government entities in New Hampshire can apply for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for low-cost financing of planning, design, and construction projects that protect public health and water quality. This loan program supports wastewater infrastructure, stormwater, nonpoint source, watershed protection, restoration, and estuary management projects that advance environmental sustainability.

Nonprofit and public entities planning coastal community or habitat resilience projects in New Hampshire’s Rockingham or Strafford counties can seek US $15,000 - US $40,000 through the Coastal Resilience Grants. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services funding may benefit sustainability and environmental conservation efforts addressing climate change and coastal impacts.

Environmental and conservation organizations in New Hampshire can seek funding to restore, enhance, establish, or preserve important aquatic habitats through the Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund. Focused on sustaining wetland and stream functions, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services awards competitive grants within nine watershed service areas to achieve long-term, no-net-loss of aquatic resource values.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Hampshire providing early childhood education or human services can apply for the Richard E. and Nancy P. Marriott Foundation’s general operating grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Programs supporting early childhood development, food security, housing stability, or gainful employment may be competitive, including sustainability-focused community initiatives.

New Hampshire documentary filmmakers developing long-form projects can access funding through LEF Foundation’s Moving Image Fund for pre-production and early development costs, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible directors or producers must reside in New England and may use funds for research, travel, scouting, planning, and other early-stage creative work that may explore environmental conservation themes.