New funding opportunity to support civic life and belonging through the humanities! 

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. Please see list of awarded grantees below. 

Grant title: Civic Life and Belonging Grants

Grant award: $2,000 

Grant purpose: Grants are awarded to nonprofits holding a public event that improves civic life by bringing together community members and supports meaningful discussion and perspective sharing through a cultural or humanities lens.This granting process is designed to accommodate organizations that may not have had the opportunity to apply for grant funding in the past, as well as to support established organizations that serve as the anchors of their communities. 

Awarded Grantees

NH Civics, Concord –2026 Treat Talk with Marley Diaz. Watch the recording here: Kid Power: A Conversation with Marley Dias

Hopkinton Historical Society, Hopkinton - Three programs that relate to the 250th anniversary and the Society’s current exhibit - a talk on women’s voting rights in Colonial Hopkinton, a presentation on Revolutionary War–era guns, and a hands-on sampler workshop examining textiles as a learning tool.

Mary E. Bartlett Memorial Library, Brentwood – A town-wide celebration of the 250th, including speakers, a book display at the library, a panel discussion featuring veterans, and a gallery of historical headstone photos.

Telling My Story, Wilder, VT – A workshop for participants with lived experiences of housing-insecurity or working on this issue to help break down stereotypes about invisible populations; experience the power of listening to and sharing stories; and cultivate a critical presence in society, resulting in a free public performance where participants and the audience can engage in a dialogue.

Woodman Museum, Dover –A free, outdoor, community day at the Museum with natural history special events in and around the Museum.

Blaisdell Memorial Library, Nottingham -  Junk to Trunk: Trash Can Lid Productions that promotes upcycling and conservation as well as opportunity for youth to engage in music and using that as a tool to explore and adventure a new style of interest in curriculum.

Gay Kimball Library, Troy – A community-wide "What's Your Story?" event where patrons are able to better get to know their neighbors through storytelling.

Hillsborough Historical Society, Hillsborough – Hillsboro History Alive, an outdoor event that celebrates the Contoocook River that runs through the town, and the heritage of the hard-working people who lived in the area, including the Abenaki, the people who worked at factories, railroads, did unique research in a garage or cheered Pres. Pierce.

River Valley Community College, Claremont - Arts in April is a series of free workshops and presentations that will be held throughout April.  Proposed events include a personal memoir workshop that offers participants an opportunity to share their stories and experiences, a gallery talk that will open a dialogue about art and mental health, and a discussion about creative careers that will introduce perspectives about humanities-centered careers

New Hampshire Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (NHACDL), Concord - Professor Carol Steiker, the Henry J. Friendly Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, will speak to UNH Law students and members of the public about the future of criminal justice reform and the conditions under which meaningful progress remains possible.

Leach Library, Londonderry – A “music across cultures” series featuring a Celtic band and an African dance ensemble.

1772 Meetinghouse Committee, New Durham - Musical workshop for all ages and musical backgrounds exploring how music reflects and influences society, from modern through Indigenous times.

Dublin Public Library, Dublin – A town wide celebration of the 125th anniversary of the oldest free children’s, library featuring a speaker on the subject of “illuminations,” a falconry event, an open house, and an ice cream social.

HYPE, Durham- A program designed specifically by high school students for high school students. This one-day conference promotes humanities education by engaging students with important student-generated essential questions.

GRANTEE RESOURCES

Grantee Guide

Publicity Tip Sheet

Participant Evaluation QR Code (please display at your event)

Final Report 

Event Information