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 consult our frequently asked questions and, if questions remain, contact Wendy Cahill before applying.

Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, organizations are eligible for one grant per calendar year from the Foundation’s Community Grants Program (including Unrestricted and Express grants). Organizations with an active unrestricted multiyear grant are not eligible to apply for a new award.

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

• Municipal, County or State Government
• Public, Charter 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.

• 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: Does 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?

How much an organization can apply for depends on the documentation of financial management that can be submitted with the application. Organizations that have a completed audit or financial review are eligible to apply for up to $60,000 over three years ($20,000/yr). 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). See our frequently asked questions for a description of what constitutes an audit or financial review.

See a complete list of 2020 Community Grants.

Please check back for 2022 application deadline

View our frequently asked questions