Elaine and Jack live in the Lakes Region—the region where New Hampshire’s economic disparities are perhaps most glaring. The old mill city of Franklin is a short drive—and an economic gulf—away from the wealthy homes that ring the lakes.

This young couple is in a position—and of a mind—to help their neighbors. Jack and Elaine are not their real names and other identifying details have also been changed. They want to become part of their new community in a way which is not defined predominantly by how much they give.

When they first came to New Hampshire, Elaine and Jack sought out the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to help them make connections with local nonprofit organizations, and to maximize the effectiveness of their philanthropy. They established a fund with the Foundation in 2007. All of their local giving is done through that fund.

“The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation has been incredible,” Jack said. “It became clear very quickly that we needed help to make grants strategically in this region…the Foundation has incredible research and reach—they have so much great knowledge of the region.”

Elaine’s father created an unusual family foundation structure that has made this kind of philanthropy possible: He makes an annual distribution to each of his children and their spouses to give away in any way they wish. To that pool, Jack and Elaine add a portion of their own combined income, as well as a portion of their total net worth.

Jack and Elaine established a cash donor advised fund—which means that each year, the total amount that is put into it is granted out. This year, the fund will distribute approximately $60,000 in the Lakes Region.

“It’s kind of amazing to us, when we see the amount of money given out [by the Charitable Foundation in the Lakes Region] that we play not a small role,” Jack said. “We’re making a difference.”

Grants from the fund have helped a dental clinic for uninsured families open its doors in Tamworth. The fund has supported local food pantries, summer camps for disadvantaged kids and local organic farming.

Elaine said that she hopes other young and communityminded people will see that “it doesn’t have to be a huge amount of money to make a difference.”

“A thousand dollars has such a huge impact when it’s strategically [given],” said Jack. “And the Charitable Foundation’s strength is in being strategic.”