Enable Accessibility

Community Grants Program – Unrestricted Grants

We are making adjustments to our 2023 Community Grants program.

As we work to improve our Community Grants program for the long-term, in 2023 we will offer a single, one-year, Unrestricted Grant program with awards of up to $20,000. There will be no Express Grants or multi-year Unrestricted grants awarded in 2023.

Learn more about why we’re making this change.

  • Geographic focus

    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.

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or have a tax-exempt organization serve as a fiscal agent (see frequently asked questions for more details). Organizations with an active unrestricted multiyear grant (received in December 2021 or 2022) 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 its Community Grants program that are focused on substance use disorders prevention, treatment and/or recovery services. Such proposals are administered through the Foundation’s Substance Use Disorders portfolio of grantmaking funds and accepted by invitation only. For information on our Substance Use Disorders Portfolio and to discuss grant opportunities, please contact Foundation Staff.

    The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals, and will not knowingly make grants (including those recommended by donor-advised-fund holders), to organizations whose mission or programs promote hate, or run counter to principles of basic respect, justice and equity.

  • Grant amount

    Organizations may apply for up to $20,000 over one year. As the grants are competitive and funding is limited, please consider carefully the right amount to request for your organization. We’re here to help — please contact Foundation staff if you have questions about how much to apply for.

  • Recent grants

    See a complete list of 2022 Community Grants

  • Application deadline

    September 8, 2023, 5:00 pm Eastern time

    GrantSource application portal opens Monday, July 10, 2023

  • Frequently asked questions

Application and grant process

Step 1

Determine eligibility.

Carefully read the information provided above to determine if you are eligible, and read our frequently asked questions.

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 and submit the online application by Friday, September 8, 2023, 5:00 pm Eastern time.

Read the 2023 application questions. The GrantSource application portal will open Monday, July 10, 2023.

Step 4

Receive funding.

If your application is awarded, you will be notified by late December.

Step 5

Publicize your grant.

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. Please note that applicants who do not submit a final grant report will not be considered for future funding. You are always welcome to contact your regional program officer at any time to discuss interim progress throughout a multi-year grant.

We're here to help

Wendy Cahill
  • Wendy Cahill
  • Senior Community Grants Associate