The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF) has awarded 20 grants totaling $648,655 through its bi-annual competitive application program. Grants were awarded to municipal, educational, and nonprofit organizations throughout northern New Hampshire and bordering communities in Vermont and southern Quebec. Grant awards range from a $2,475 grant to Gorham High School to fund a science research project to a $162,261 grant to Coos County Family Health Services to improve health outcomes for 90 families in Berlin and Gorham.
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund is one of the largest permanent rural philanthropies in the country, distributing $3 million in grants annually. The fund was established at NHCF in 2006 with a bold vision: to serve as a catalyst for the region to move toward sustainable community and economic development in Coos County and surrounding communities in the US and Canada. In pursuit of that vision, the Tillotson Fund has identified three priority areas for grant making: education, economic development, and basic needs and community safety net.
“Visit any community in the North Country and you will find an organization or project that has benefited from the generosity of Neil and Louise Tillotson,” said Richard Ober, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. “The impact of this fund on a community, and an entire region, is remarkable — just like the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson.”
“These grant awards support the efforts of local and regional leaders as they strive to revitalize the North Country,” said Kirsten Scobie, director of Tillotson Funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. “Whether the grantee is improving the quality of education for our children, providing basic needs to our most vulnerable neighbors, or offering arts and culture opportunities for all to enjoy, the overall vision of the fund, to support and sustain community and economic development, is always at the forefront.”
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund accepts proposals from eligible organizations providing services in Colebrook, Pittsburg, Clarksville, Stewartstown, Dixville Notch and other towns in Coos County as well as bordering communities in Quebec and Vermont. The fund is also interested in applicants that serve these communities as part of a larger regional effort. The next application deadline is Monday, July 7, 2014. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.nhcf.org/tillotson for eligibility requirements, application guidelines and forms, and answers to frequently asked questions.For more information contact Jean Clarke at 800-464-6641 ext.1238 or jc@nhcf.org.
Grant awards were made to the following organizations:
Androscoggin River Committee (Androscoggin River Watershed Council) of Milan, NH received $12,000 to support public education and outdoor recreation-based marketing and events for New Hampshire's Androscoggin River watershed.
Canaan Community Forest (Town of Canaan, Vt.) received $70,000 to renovate the Tillotson Camp and support the Natural Resources and Diversified Agricultural Program in Canaan over two years.
Town of Canaan, Vt. received $20,000 to replace playground equipment in the Canaan Community Recreation Park.
Children's Literacy Foundation of Waterbury Center, Vt. received $20,000 to sponsor a year-long series of literacy programs and provide book donations for one elementary school in the North Country or the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Coos County Family Health Services of Berlin, NH received $162,261 to improve health outcomes and wellness for 90 Berlin-Gorham families, over two years, through a coordinated approach to increased physical activity and improved nutrition along with $45,000 to increase access to victim assistance services by expanding a specially trained volunteer base over three years.
Early Learning New Hampshire of Concord, NH received $60,000 to connect and sustain Coos County and statewide early childhood improvement efforts over three years.
Ecole Sacre-Coeur de Coaticook (The Resource Foundation) in Coaticook, Quebec received $4,706 to adapt a classroom for special needs students.
Gorham High School (School Administrative Unit #20) of Gorham, NH received $2,475 to support students studying mercury levels in dragonfly larvae as part of a Superfund Research Program in partnership with Dartmouth College researchers.
Great North Woods Committee for the Arts of Colebrook, NH received $12,000 to support performing arts programming in Coos County.
The Holiday Center, Inc. of Berlin, NH received $12,000 to provide transportation services for vulnerable Berlin residents to access community services.
Lancaster United Methodist Church of Lancaster received $17,500 to purchase and install a walk-in cooler to improve access to healthy, perishable food for the Community Cupboard Food Pantry.
Les Amis du Patrimoine de Saint-Venant-de-Paquette of Saint-Venant-de-Paquette, Quebec received $50,000 to renovate and expand the cultural and heritage Visitor Center and Café-Délices du terroire.
Milan Village School in Milan, NH received $15,000 to provide bridge funding to support the development of a self-sustaining, affordable preschool program for the Town of Milan.
Mount Washington Observatory of Conway, NH received $10,000 to replace the roof of the museum, install solar panels, and create a renewable energy interactive exhibit.
New Hampshire Preservation Alliance of Concord, NH received $45,000 to enhance preservation services and related technical assistance in Coos County over three years.
New Hampshire Timberland Owner's Association of Concord, NH received $22,900 to support research for an updated economic impact study of the timber harvesting industry in New Hampshire.
Town of Northumberland, NH received $10,000 to restore the exterior of the 1799 Meeting house.
Town of Pittsburg, NH received $14,607 to complete the final phase of a capital project by constructing a bandstand on the town common.
Wholesome Wave of Bridgeport, CT received $43,206 to support Coos County in building and connecting to a sustainable statewide system improving access to local affordable produce.
About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Established in 1962, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is driven by a vision for a stronger, more just, and resilient Granite State. In pursuit of this vision, the Foundation invests charitable assets for today and tomorrow; connects donors to effective organizations, ideas and people; and leads and collaborates on important public issues. Annually, the Foundation awards nearly 5,000 grants and scholarships totaling $30 million. Based in Concord, the Foundation roots itself in communities across the state through its staff, board of directors, and eight regional advisory boards.
For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.
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