FRANKLIN, NH – Franklin Savings Bank Fund for Community Advancement is accepting applications for its 2023 round of funding.
The fund provides grants that support “substantial projects that will significantly enhance the lives of people” in the communities that comprise the bank’s primary market – Franklin, Tilton, Northfield, Bristol, Boscawen, Hill, Sanbornton, Belmont, New Hampton, Andover, Alexandria, Laconia, Gilford, Gilmanton, Goffstown and Merrimack.
Grant can be used for economic development, affordable housing, education, health care, social services, environment, arts and humanities, human services, and programs or services addressing the needs of children, adolescents and single parent families. Programs and services that address the needs of low to moderate income families and individuals are priorities for the fund. To be eligible, an organization must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a school, municipality or other subdivision of government.
Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. The deadline for applications is May 30.
“This fund was developed for the community. You’re doing this work, and it’s one small thing we can do to help you in your mission,” Brian Bozak, president and COO, told recipients at October’s event to celebrate the 2022 grant recipients.
The $60,900 the fund awarded in 2022 went to 13 nonprofits, many of which focus on the needs of low-income families and individuals and youth support and empowerment. The money covers a diverse range of needs – last year’s included a cooling system for Manchester’s Webster House Children’s Home; a restaurant voucher program for seniors in Goffstown and Merrimack through Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County; an automatic door system for the adaptive Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock program; and the first new jerseys in years for players, through the Merrimack Valley Football Boosters.
2022 recipients were:
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua;
- CATCH Neighborhood Housing, Concord, which creates opportunities for affordable housing;
- Circle Program, Plymouth, which empowers and provides mentorship for girls from low-income families;
- Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, Nashua, which provides safe housing, education and resources for families in need;
- Lakes Region Children’s Auction, which raises money for community organizations;
- Greater Tilton Area Family Resource Center, which provides family support, parent education, and more;
- Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock Inc., an adaptive snow sports school for children and adults who have emotional, physical and cognitive challenges;
- Mayhew Program, Bristol, which provides support and mentoring for at-risk boys;
- Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County;
- Merrimack Valley Football Boosters, of Merrimack Valley High School, Penacook;
- Patriot Resilient Leader Institute, based in Gilford, which runs Camp Resilience retreats for veterans;
- Sanbornton Central School;
- Webster House Children’s Home, Manchester.
Grants are awarded once a year after a competitive review. The program is an advised fund with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and comprises members of the bank’s board of directors and management. Information can be found on the bank’s website, fsbnh.bank/community.