New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

10/09/2026

We’re pleased to share that furniture maker and sculptor Aspen Golann of Rollinsford has been awarded the 2026 Piscataqua Region Artist Advancement Grant. The grant supports the cultivation of the Piscataqua Region’s arts community, helps artists advance their careers and encourages them to live and work in the region.

Aspen is founder of The Chairmaker's Toolbox, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to traditional woodworking through free classes, tools, mentorship and education for historically excluded makers. With support from the Artist Advancement Grant, she plans to establish a permanent studio space for her growing practice while creating opportunities for other local artists.

Read more about Aspen's work on our website: https://www.nhcf.org/what-were-up-to/aspen-golann-awarded-2026-artist-advancement-grant/

10/08/2026

It was great to visit the New Hampshire Food Bank and join community leaders in supporting Hunger Action Month. Thank you for having us!

Last week, in honor of Hunger Action Day, we welcomed leaders of municipal, nonprofit, and community organizations in Manchester & Concord for a special event at the NH Food Bank.

The following leaders and organizations were represented:
✅ Byron Champlin for Mayor (Mayor of Concord)
✅ Jason Bonilla for Manchester (Ward 5 Alderman for the City of Manchester)
✅ Cindy Stewart, At-Large Member of the Manchester School Board
✅ Bryanna “Bree” Marceau, President & CEO of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
✅ Stephanie Turek, Sr. Vice President of Impact for Granite United Way
✅ Dawn LaClair, Director of Resident Success for Concord Housing + Redevelopment
✅ Ben Amsden, Initiative Leader for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
✅ Charlene Lovett, Assistant District Governor Rotary District 7870 Sullivan County & State Leader
✅ Chris Dugan, Founder & Principal of Dugan PR
✅ Sandra Gagnon, Eversource NH Manager of Regulatory Affairs & Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2027
✅ Jon Fosher, City of Manchester, NH Fire Department

Attendees toured our facility and learned about our food distribution, innovative programs addressing the root causes of food insecurity, and SNAP application assistance & outreach partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services.

We were honored to host such an engaging and supportive audience, and to share our work to assist neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Through collaboration with local leaders and elected officials, the NHFB is increasing access to much-needed food assistance and raising awareness of the importance of food assistance programs, like SNAP.

If you or your organization, club, or council want to learn how food insecurity affects your community, reach out to our Advocacy & Government Relations Specialist, Marion Harris, to schedule a private tour, presentation, or meeting: [email protected] or 603-943-1247.

10/08/2026

Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience New Hampshire's outdoors. Yet for many people, limited information about trail accessibility can make it difficult to know what to expect. Through a partnership with Trail Finder, UNH Extension is helping remove those barriers by providing detailed trail information that helps people find outdoor spaces that meet their needs. The Foundation is proud to support this work.

Read more on the University of New Hampshire website.

A partnership between UNH and Trail Finder is helping hikers with disabilities find trails that suit their capabilities.

10/06/2026

Resident ownership helps preserve affordable homeownership and gives people a voice in their community’s future. We're grateful to partner with ROC-NH and the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund to support this model and the opportunities it creates for people in New Hampshire. Congratulations to the residents of these three communities!

10/02/2026

For 45 years, Monadnock region families whose infants and toddlers experience developmental delays, complex medical challenges or certain genetic conditions have turned to Rise for baby and family as a trusted partner.

At no cost to families, Rise helps support a child’s growth and development with specialized services that focus on the entire family. The Charitable Foundation is a long-time supporter.

On our website, learn more about how rise is helping families help their kids: https://www.nhcf.org/what-were-up-to/helping-families-help-their-kids/

10/01/2026

This morning, we joined City Year New Hampshire for its Opening Day celebration to welcome a new group of AmeriCorps members as they begin their year of service in the Manchester School District.

We heard from City Year’s student success coaches about what inspired them to serve, and Foundation Vice President of Donor Engagement and Philanthropy Services Melinda Mosier Beayon, a former AmeriCorps member, shared reflections on her service year and offered advice to this year's coaches.

We’re grateful to City Year New Hampshire for its commitment to Manchester students and schools, and to the young people who have chosen to dedicate a year to making a difference.

10/01/2026

Louis Esposito of ABLE NH is working to ensure disability justice isn't "siloed," but woven into the broader work for justice and equity for all.

At ABLE's annual Disability Pride Parade, he encouraged people to march together rather than as separate organizations.

"We are more powerful together."

Read more on our website: https://www.nhcf.org/what-were-up-to/we-all-march-together/

09/29/2026

We're proud to support NH School Funding Fairness Project's School Funding + Property Taxes 10-County Tour. Find your tour stop and join the conversation!

09/28/2026

At last week's 2026 Nonprofit Leadership Summit, Shawn joined Kathleen Reardon, CEO of the NH Center for Nonprofits, for a conversation about the future of philanthropy in New Hampshire.

Together, they discussed the role philanthropy can play in this moment, the importance of staying grounded in our values, Shawn’s hopes for the year ahead and more.

Congratulations to the NH Center for Nonprofits on another successful summit!

09/25/2026

For people with very limited economic resources and without the support of family members who have been to college, the barriers to college entrance and completion can be as tangible as an overdue electric bill or the shoes required for a nursing uniform or the lack of childcare.

A Foundation grant is supporting a partnership between Great Bay Community College and housing authorities in Portsmouth, Dover and Rochester to help students overcome those barriers.

Read the full story in our 2025 annual report and on our website: https://www.nhcf.org/what-were-up-to/onward-in-partnership/