Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund – Empower Coös Youth Grants Program

The Empower Coös Youth (ECY) Grants Program supports programs in Coös County, NH and Essex County, VT and surrounding communities in both states that focus on supporting environmental initiatives that involve youth; increasing extracurricular activities for youth; strengthening community engagement, and addressing gaps in need. This grant program awards support of up to $10,000 to eligible organizations.

The Tillotson Fund’s Empower Coös Youth Grants program is designed, implemented and led by our student committee members. Organizations that benefit Coös and Essex County and all surrounding communities in New Hampshire and Vermont are encouraged to apply for funding. Organizations must be recognized as a 501(c)3, municipality, school or place of worship for non-religious, non-denominated and inclusive programming to be eligible for an award.

The ECY program supports specific projects, operating expenses, planning, evaluation and technical assistance. This grant program awards support of $10,000 or less to eligible organizations.

Geographic focus

The Empower Coös Youth Grants Program has a preference for programs that benefit Coös County, NH and Essex County, VT and surrounding communities in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Eligibility

Organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS are eligible, including US nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, tax-exempt public agencies, schools, municipalities, and places of worship for non-religious, non-denominational, and inclusive programming. Other student-led or community groups which do not have US tax-exempt status may apply for funding if a 501(c)(3) organization, municipality or public agency acts as their fiscal sponsor.
What we look for
- Support environmental initiatives that involve youth (ages 12 to 22) such as: programs and activities that support recycling efforts, protect wildlife, or offer educational opportunities to community members.
- Increase extracurricular activities for youth (ages 12 to 22) such as: programs and activities that build community, enhance environmental education awareness, or increase access to science, music, arts, and athletics.
- Strengthen community engagement through events and public gatherings that enhance connection and togetherness.
- Address gaps in need for underserved, low-income residents.
Grant amount

The Empower Coös Youth Grants Program supports specific projects, operating expenses, planning, evaluation, and technical assistance. Grant requests can be up to $10,000. For requests over $5,000, initiatives and projects must show how they are planning for long-term impact in the region.
Recent grants

See the most recent Empower Coos Youth Program Grants
Application deadline

Deadline: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Application and grant process

Step 1

Determine eligibility and learn more about the program.

Please review the PowerPoint (view French translation) and the video/audio recording from the Grant Seeker Information Session held on November 9, 2022. After viewing the “how to apply” instructions, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jean Clarke at Wrna.Pynexr@aups.bet.

Step 2

Log in or create a new profile in GrantSource.

Log in to GrantSource, update your profile and access open applications. If you have never applied, please create a new profile using the “Register here” button.

Step 3

Complete the online application.

Answer the questions in GrantSource (these questions are also listed in the instructions for applying). Submit the application by 5:00 pm Eastern time on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Step 4

Receive funding.

Requests up to $10,000 will be notified of funding within three months after submission.

Step 5

Share the good news.

If you are awarded funding and you’d like to share the good news, please refer to our grantee press kit.

Step 6

Report.

At the end of your grant period, you will be required to complete a final report. Log in to GrantSource to submit your final report via the online portal.

Application and grant process

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