Community Grants Program – Unrestricted Grants

Organizations serving New Hampshire and selected communities in Maine and Vermont within the Foundation’s eight regions: Capital, Lakes, Manchester, Monadnock, Nashua, North Country, Piscataqua and Upper Valley.

Organizations that serve multiple states should contact Wendy Cahill before applying.

Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Organizations that received an unrestricted multiyear grant through this program in 2018 or 2019 are not eligible to apply for a new community grant this year.

Organizations that received an Express Grant or any other type of grant from NHCF for COVID-19 pandemic response in 2020 are eligible to apply for an Unrestricted Grant. An interim or final report is not required prior to submitting for an Unrestricted grant, but Foundation staff may reach out to you for an update on that work.

Through the Community Grants program, we do not make unrestricted grants to:

• Municipal, County or State Government
• Public and Private schools
• Religious organizations, unless all services being funded are non-discriminatory, non-sectarian and benefit the larger community
• Hospitals
• Colleges and Universities

The Foundation does not accept proposals through our community grants program that are focused on substance use disorders prevention, treatment and/or recovery services. Such proposals are by invitation-only, and administered outside of the Community Grants program. For information on our Substance Use Disorders Portfolio and to discuss grant opportunities with appropriate staff, please visit our Substance Use Disorders Portfolio.

The concept paper and application together are designed to help us understand the following:

• Programs: Does the organization operate quality programs that improve the community?
• Strategies: Has the organization developed specific and realistic short- and long-term strategies for addressing identified organizational needs?
• Impact: Did the organization demonstrate how an unrestricted grant could have a measurable impact on organizational and programmatic capacity and effectiveness?
• Capacity: Does the organization have the capacity to manage this grant?

While this has not changed, we recognize that the environment you are now operating in has shifted dramatically. We know that you are adapting to the realities and consequences of advancing your mission within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to these four areas we are trying to highlight and learn about through the questions in the concept paper and application this year we will also ask you to describe how the pandemic is affecting your programs and services and your internal operations.

How much an organization can apply for depends on the types of documentation related to governance and financial management that can be submitted with the application. If an organization does not have an audit or financial review, they may apply for up to $30,000 over three years ($10,000/yr). Organizations that do a completed audit or financial review are eligible to apply for up to $60,000 over three years ($20,000/yr).

See a complete list of 2019 Community Grants.

The process of applying for an unrestricted grant begins with the submission of a concept paper. We have had to adjust when the program opens, and we’re accepting concept papers starting Wednesday, July 22.

Concept paper deadline is Thursday, August 13, 2020, 5:00 pm Eastern time.

The application deadline (for invited applicants only) is 5:00 pm on Friday, October 2, 2020.

Read our frequently asked questions.