Press Release
For Release: June 2, 2010
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund awards more than $1.3 million in grants
CONCORD, N.H. - The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund, a donor advised fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, has awarded 34 grants totaling $1,320,563. Grants were awarded to organizations throughout northern New Hampshire and Vermont and the MRC of Coaticook in Quebec for economic development, conservation and sustainable forestry, education, basic needs and community safety net. Applications were submitted on October 1, 2009 and grant awards range from $4,000 to nearly $200,000.
Tom Deans, chair of the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Advisory Committee for the Foundation said, "This group of grants truly reflects the spirit and vision of Neil and Louise Tillotson. The awards will make a real difference in communities today, as well as build the foundation for long-term community infrastructure."
Kirsten Scobie, program director for the Foundation's Tillotson Fund said, "The advisory committee awarded grants that support work in the communities of special interest to Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson. The awards help fill gaps in healthcare and education and build economic development opportunities through regional collaboration."
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund accepts proposals from eligible organizations providing services in Colebrook, Pittsburg, Clarksville, Stewartstown, Dixville and other towns in Coos County, N.H. as well as bordering communities in the U.S. and Canada. The fund will also consider applications that include these communities as a significant part of a larger regional effort. The fund is particularly interested in programs that address the following goals: strengthen existing institutions in the North Country; address gaps in services to meet basic needs; support and strengthen existing and emerging community leaders; strengthen ability of communities and individuals to shape public policy; preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and social assets of the North Country; and leverage public and private funding.
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund was established with the philosophy and principles of Neil Tillotson in mind: Be humble, be creative and be kind. The next deadline for applications is Friday, October 1, 2010. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.nhcf.org/tillotson for eligibility requirements, application guidelines and forms, and answers to frequently asked questions. For more information, contact Martha Dickey at 800-464-6641 ext. 1238 or md@nhcf.org.
The following grants were awarded:
AHEAD received $75,000 to continue offering home ownership and financial literacy education to northern Coos County residents.
Androscoggin Valley Hospital received $60,000 to prepare an engineering plan for converting the hospital’s heating and cooling systems from burning fossil fuels to wood chips.
Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont received $9,800 to provide outreach services and wellness classes for seniors and their families living in northern Essex County, Vt.
Caleb Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers received $10,000 to increase access to quality healthcare for seniors in southern Coos and northern Grafton counties.
Canaan Schools received $29,000 to support teachers in curriculum alignment and credentialing better enabling them to provide Running Start courses to N.H. and Vt. students.
Centre de santé et de services sociaux de la MRC-de-Coaticook received $75,000 to strengthen medical services for elderly residents living in the MRC by purchasing endoscopy equipment.
Child Advocacy Center of Coos County received $15,000 to establish a regional system of multi-disciplinary case management for child abuse investigations in Coos County.
CLD de la MRC de Coaticook received $12,700 to strengthen outreach to newly arrived residents and increase local spending in the MRC de Coaticook.
Cohos Historical Society received $15,000 to restore the original steeple and preserve historical integrity of the Cohos Historical Society building.
Colebrook Area Headstart (Tri County CAP, Inc.) received $11,000 to expand existing classroom space and increase childcare slots in the Colebrook area.
Daniel Webster Council received $5,878 to strengthen Cub and Boy Scouts programming in northern New Hampshire and reduce family fees associated with participation.
Friends of the Dalton Town Hall received $14,880 to meet fire safety codes and improve the energy efficiency of the historic Town Hall building utilized for community gatherings.
Gorham and Colebrook Baseball Teams received $5,022 to provide funding for two regional baseball teams to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame and play on Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Helping Hands Colebrook received $25,000 for general operations and to conduct financial and strategic planning.
Les Amies de la Vallee de la Coaticook (Ville de Coaticook) received a two-year grant of $20,000 to support start-up operations for a virtual local foods market in the MRC of Coaticook.
MicroCredit-NH received $60,000 to support the continuation of the Coos County Entrepreneurship Investment Program, which supports micro businesses in the North Country.
New Hampshire Public Radio received a two-year grant of $199,238 to expand service to more than 6,000 northern Coos and Essex County listeners by establishing a full-power transmitter in Stewartstown, N.H.
North Country Community Recreation Center received $15,000 to support the Seniors for Life wellness and socialization program.
North County Cooperating Churches received $4,160 to continue supporting free weekly community meals and fellowship in the Colebrook area.
North Country Health Consortium received a two-year grant of $150,000 to provide oral health services through the Molar Express dental clinic to North Country adults and children.
New Hampshire Lakes Association received $25,000 to expand youth employment opportunities and community participation through Lake Host and Conservation Corps in northern Coos County.
New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association received $20,000 to provide education and outreach programs specific to Coos County.
Plymouth State University received $75,210 to provide teaching stipends for 15 candidates enrolled in the 2010-12 North Country Teacher Certification Program.
Randolph Mountain Club received $6,000 to purchase and install four modernized composting toilet facilities developed for high elevation backcountry camps in the Northern Peaks of the Presidentials.
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church received $54,000 to make capital improvements that will improve the church’s energy efficiency and strengthen the church’s community outreach.
St. Paul's and St. Mark's Churches received $7,525 to provide an academic and recreational summer enrichment program for elementary age children in Groveton.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center received $26,630 to deliver multi-session environmental education programs to 750 students and teachers in grades K-8 in the Berlin/Gorham area.
Town of Stratford, N.H. received $14,800 for the restoration of 35 headstones in Center Cemetery and to increase awareness of the historical and genealogical value of cemeteries.
Trust for Public Land received $100,000 to support the conservation of 31,300 acres of viable working forest and rare wildlife habitat in Coos County.
United Ways of NH/211 NH received $13,700 to develop a regional marketing effort to promote 2-1-1 throughout Coos County as a free, confidential and multi-lingual 24/7 helpline for residents.
Untamed Adventure Racing received $11,020 to integrate environmental conservation projects and improve emergency medical infrastructure for an internationally acclaimed three-day wilderness race in northern New Hampshire.
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital received a two-year grant of $120,000 to support the Coos County hospitals collaboration to ensure quality hospital care for the region.
Vermont River Conservancy received $15,000 to launch the Upper Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail and construct three new campsites along the Connecticut River.
White Mountains Regional School District received $20,000 for the construction of a half-mile track with fitness stations at the Lancaster Elementary School.
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation serves communities throughout New Hampshire, southeastern Maine and eastern Vermont. The Foundation manages a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and businesses, and awards about $30 million annually in grants and scholarships. The Charitable Foundation is nonpartisan, frequently playing the role of convener and catalyst on a broad spectrum of issues. Based in Concord, the Charitable Foundation roots itself in the communities through regional advisory boards. More information is available at www.nhcf.org or by calling 603-225-6641.
For further information, please contact:
Julia Olivares, 603-225-6641 ext. 1244 or e-mail
Kristen Oliveri, 603-225-6641 ext. 1267 or e-mail
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