Franconia Soaring Foundation

03/23/2026

Do you do business in New Hampshire, or work for a New Hampshire business? The Community Development Finance Authority (https://nhcdfa.org/investing-in-nh-communities/tax-credit-program/) awarded the Franconia Soaring Foundation over $400,000 in state tax credits to sell to NH businesses interested in supporting construction of the new multipurpose, multi-user Training Center in Franconia. Credits and pledges were initially due by March 31, 2026 but we recently received a 3-month extension. We have less than $200,000 left to offer NH businesses, so please consider this waning opportunity for your NH business or employer to turn a tax liability into an investment in the community. Pledges can be made at https://nhcdfa.org/investing-in-nh-communities/electronic-pledge/ . Thank you for your consideration!

ELECTRONIC PLEDGE FORM "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 3 33% Electronic SignatureYou give your consent to electronic disclosures and to the use of electronic signatures. This consent informs you of your rights when receiving legally required disclosures, notices and information from CDFA and...

02/24/2026

Our new solar array is online! We are excited to report the successful installation and commissioning or our 53,000 Kilowatt-hour/year roof-mounted solar array. This array is capable of meeting all of the Training Center's energy needs with a 100% clean and renewable energy source. When construction of the building is complete in 2026, it will be capable of supporting year-round training and recreational activities with net-zero energy consumption. Many thanks to all the businesses purchasing NH business tax credits through the NH Community Development Finance Authority (https://nhcdfa.org/investing-in-nh-communities/tax-credit-program/), especially Revision Energy whose generous support and quality workmanship brought this project to fruition. Please consider patronizing our supporters to meet your business needs:

NH Tax Credit Patrons:
Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting Group
Badger-Peabody and Smith Realty
Bar Harbor Bank and Trust / Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Cohos Advisors
Geo. M Stevens and Son Insurance
Meredith Village Savings Bank
Northern Tire of Colebrook, Inc
Passumpsic Savings Bank
ReVision Energy, Inc.
Union Bank

11/29/2025

Spread the word! We still have approximately $280,000 in New Hampshire business tax credits for 2026 available for purchase! If you (or someone you know) has a NH tax liability for Business Profits, Business Enterprise, or Business Insurance Premium, and want to see your business taxes help fund STEM programs, you should consider purchasing tax credits from our Foundation. Our Foundation, located at the only remaining Gliderport serving New Hampshire and Maine, supports programs that prepare our youth for future success by exposing them to real-world examples of algebra, trigonometry, geography, mathematics, meteorology, and aeronautics.

Tax credits are a great way to reduce your tax liabilities while demonstrating your support for youth and community activities. Please contact our Foundation President, Tom Ganse, at [email protected], to learn more about how we support youth programs, as well as the local and state communities. Also, additional information on the tax credit program is available at https://nhcdfa.org/investing-in-nh-communities/tax-credit-program/. Hurry, all remaining tax credits will be sold by March 31, 2026, so get yours while you still can!

09/18/2025

You've seen the signs all around Franconia, Easton, Bethlehem, and Sugar Hill - Yes! It's true! Franconia Airport Day for residents of these towns is this Sunday, September 21! Read all about it below:

09/08/2025

We recently had an opportunity to celebrate the lives of four outstanding gentlemen who left a lasting legacy on the sport of soaring from Franconia, and arguably the greater New England area. Friends and family gathered in the Foundation Training Center to share stories, fond memories, laughter -- and of course and tears -- before heading to the new Memorial Stone recently placed by the Franconia Soaring Association.

Their accolades are incalculable, but here is a brief overview of who these men were, what they meant to others, and what soaring meant to them. Jim Dwyer was one of the Founders of the Franconia Soaring Association, an organization that still thrives and keeps Jim’s vision alive over three decades later. David Dodge adopted Franconia Airport as his “happy place”, and blessed the Foundation with a generous bequeath following his untimely passing. It was that bequeath that enabled the purchase of the airfield and became the catalyst for ongoing improvements. David DesFosses was more than just a Certified Flight Instructor and Chair of the Foundation’s Education Committee; he was a positive force that kept everyone motivated, professional, and challenged. The only people not touched by David’s presence were "the people he had not yet met." Ritts Howard, like Jim Dwyer, ensured that soaring in Franconia and throughout New England thrived. His dedication and generosity are reflected in the Ritts Howard Legacy Society, named in his honor.

The highlight of the ceremonies came when Foundation President Tom Ganse launched Chief Pilot Peter Stauble with his passenger, Ritts’ son James Howard, for an honor flight. Jeff Tarmey performed duties as the tow pilot.

Many thanks to Jane Howard for hosting the reception that followed, as well as to all the volunteers from the FSA and FSF that contributed to make the day a fond and lasting memory. One theme that kept coming up throughout the day and tied the four honorees together was “generosity," defined as "a selfless willingness to give time, assets, or talents from the heart, with a pure intention to help others and enhance their well-being without expecting anything in return."

07/24/2025

Tuesday was another great day as our Foundation provided introductory ground and flight instruction to 14 students participating in the Mount Washington Valley School to Career https://www.facebook.com/MWVS2C Partnership Aviation Camp week. Students participate in unique experiences in a week-long syllabus designed to provide a hands-on experience in a variety of aviation-related career fields. Tuesday was our day to teach them about motorless flight. Students participated in the daily safety brief before learning about preflight preparations, ground handling operations and aircraft launching before receiving flight instruction from FAA Certified Flight Instructors. Countless thanks to Foundation Education Committee Chairman Glenn Mori and the Franconia Soaring Association volunteers that contributed time and energy to make the day a success!