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How to Apply
In this section
Getting started
Eligibility
Evaluation criteria
Priorities for funding
Recent grants
Before you apply
How to apply
Deadlines
Selection process
Questions?
Getting Started
New in 2012, we are launching an online grants portal for applications. The new system will include the following components to streamline and bring added value to the process.
Step 1: Logging in
Organizations will need a username and password to access the online grants portal. Only one account will be permitted per organization. We've created accounts for the organizations listed here. If your organization is not listed you will need to visit the online grants portal and create a new login. Please use the email address of your executive director/primary organization contact to set up the account.
If you are a consultant applying on behalf of an organization, please contact the organization you represent as you will need to login with that organization's account information.
If you are unsure if your organization has been assigned an account, please click here for a listing of all organizations with assigned accounts as of July 10, 2012. If your organization has not received an email or letter with account information, please contact Andrea Cotter at alc@nhcf.org or (603) 225-6641 x1247.
Login now
Step 2: Complete an Organization Profile
The profile is where you fill out basic information about your organization. (This replaces our former "application cover sheet" and is also a resource for foundation staff to share organization information with donors.)
If your organization was assigned an account, we have filled out much of the profile for you. Please check it for correctness and completeness.
Step 3: Complete the Nonprofit Checklist
The nonprofit checklist tells us that you have met all the requirements of the New Hampshire Division of Charitable Trusts. Once you complete this section you will be able to view available applications. (If you are a municipality or non-NH applicant from a border community please select the "opt-out" box at the top of the checklist.)
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Eligibility
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community organizations, educational institutions and federal, state, and local government agencies. Organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nonprofit organizations or community groups that do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply if another tax-exempt organization acts as fiscal sponsor. Organizations must be undertaking restoration projects within the fund’s grant area.
Download map of geographic area of eligibility (PDF)
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Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be evaluated according to criteria in three categories: river restoration, wetlands, and shoreland protection. Proposals also will be evaluated using a set of general criteria, which will be used to evaluate the relative strength of proposals that have comparable environmental benefits. The general criteria will be used as a "tiebreaker" if necessary to select between competing projects.
Download evaluation criteria (PDF)
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Priorities for funding
Priority Riparian Areas – From 2009-2011, the Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund (MEF) conducted a study of important natural resources within the entire MEF service area in order to identify places where MEF funding could achieve the greatest benefit. The study identified six (6) priority areas that would be the focus for comprehensive, multi-resource grant applications that involve protection of the high concentrations of important in-stream, wetland and shoreland resources located in each priority area. It is envisioned that project proposals developed within the priority areas would provide watershed-level benefits and may require significant funds for implementation (possibly as much as $1 million for large, complex, multi-resource projects—this figure is provided for illustration purposes, and there is no upper or lower limit to project size or scope).
Priority Connectivity Projects – In 2011, the MEF completed a study of 'in-stream' connectivity projects for the MEF service area that have more direct nexus with the larger river ecosystems impacted by the Fifteen Mile Falls (FMF) Hydroelectric Project. The study identifies priority dam projects, culvert projects, and sub-watershed inventory projects. Removing the connectivity impediments associated with these dams and culverts will provide significant habitat benefits. Documenting stream-connectivity issues and impediments within identified sub-watersheds will help focus effort on the most important areas. It is envisioned that grant proposals for stream-connectivity projects will focus on the highest priorities identified in this study.
While the overall MEF evaluation criteria for considering the relative importance of a project proposal will not change, the MEF Advisory Committee will place special emphasis on and give funding priority to project proposals within the six identified Priority Riparian Areas, and on proposals that focus on high-priority in-stream impediments and sub-watersheds.
The full reports contain research assumptions, resources and data utilized, research methodology, detailed resource maps within the entire MEF service area, and other useful information, as well as details about the six priority areas and priority stream impediments.
MEF priorities executive summary (PDF)
MEF priority riparian areas report and maps (PDF)
MEF priority connectivity projects report and maps (PDF)
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Recent grants
Download a complete list of grant awards since the inception of the MEF grants program (PDF)
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Before you apply
Download and read the following items:
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How to apply
Within the online grants portal, select the grant cycle “2012 Mitigation and Enhancement Fund” and follow the instructions.
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Deadlines
Concept Paper deadline is 5:00 PM on Friday, November 16, 2012. Concept papers may be submitted through the online portal (described above) anytime on or before November 16. Paper or email submissions will NOT be accepted. Foundation staff will notify applicants during the week of December 10, 2012 if they are invited to submit a full application.
Application deadline (for invited applicants only) is 5:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2013. Final applications may be submitted through the online grants portal (described above) anytime between December 10, 2012 and January 11, 2013. Paper or email submissions will NOT be accepted.
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Selection process
Applications are reviewed by a 12-person advisory committee made up of representatives of environmental organizations, state and federal agencies, and local community groups. The advisory committee meets in late January. Decisions and grant awards are released in March.
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Questions?
For further information, contact Kevin Peterson at 603-653-0387 ext. 1270, or by email, before November 2, 2012.
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