Here are just a few examples of what happens in New Hampshire communities when people give, and work, together:
- Science on the seacoast. The Seacoast Science Center in Rye helps people explore, discover and connect with nature through marine and environmental education and conservation programs. Foundation grants have supported programming as well as the center’s Marine Mammal Rescue operation, which rescues seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins. This year, the team released a few young gray seals after nursing them back to health.
- In their own voices. The Laconia Daily Sun has embarked on a project to hear directly from young people about their Covid experiences and other issues important to them. As part of the “Voices Project,” the Sun will employ a Solutions Journalism approach to articles about the issues young people bring up, examining how similar issues have been addressed elsewhere and what solutions might be options for the Lakes Region. The project is supported by a donor-advised fund grant from the Foundation.
- Sports, adapted for all. A multiyear operating grant is helping Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country provide year-round opportunities for sport, recreation and wellness, enriching quality of life for people with disabilities. Located in the White Mountains, the organization offers hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, golf, fly fishing — even gardening.
- Teaching important lessons. The Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner, led by Executive Director Andrew Bullock, presents 20,000 years of the diverse culture, rich history and current contributions of North America’s Native people through exhibits, art displays, lectures, craft workshops, nature walks and by amplifying contemporary Native voices. With an operating grant from the Foundation, the Museum moved many programs online when Covid hit, which helped it continue its mission — and expand its reach. (Pictured below)
- Growing food and connections. Grow Nashua helps feed, educate and connect thousands of residents through the creation of community gardens, education programs, “little free farm stands,” curbside composting and a “little free farmstand truck” that makes the rounds to deliver fresh produce to people who need it. It started as a way to connect New Americans with urban gardens where they could grow food and connect with their neighbors, and will serve an estimated 6,000 people this year through its programs.
- Studying at PSU and welcoming refugees. As a youngster in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hussain Amiri sold firewood and made carpets to help support his family, then studied at night. After enduring war and trauma, his family arrived in Concord with only what they carried and very little idea of what to expect. Now, Hussain is studying computer science at Plymouth State University with help from a Foundation scholarship. He also works as a case manager at Building Community in NH, a nonprofit that helps refugees build new lives in the state.
- Community arts in Newport. The Library Arts Center supports local artists, provides performance, exhibition and studio space; it also offers classes and workshops for everyone from children to elders. The center is a vibrant part of the local creative economy and draws people to Newport’s historic downtown. A Foundation grant helps to support the center’s operations.