Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Large Grants Program

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Large Grants Program offers funding to strengthen communities in Coös County, NH, and bordering areas. With a focus on economic development, community resiliency, and education, the fund supports projects that enhance cultural assets, promote sustainable resource use, and address basic needs. Grants range from $20,000 to $300,000, requiring a pre-application consultation. The foundation aims to empower underserved populations and foster connections within the community.

NOTE: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Championing the North Country
One of the largest permanent rural philanthropies in the U.S. is strengthening communities and spreading economic opportunity.
Grantmaking Goals
We want — as Neil and Louise Tillotson wanted — the North Country and surrounding regions to flourish.
We’re funding systems-change-level projects while, at the same time, supporting basic community needs.
Tillotson Funds work to:
Revitalize population hubs and strengthen community gathering places;Enrich people’s sense of place through connection to their communities and one another;Promote and enhance cultural and social assets throughout the region;Enhance the region’s natural resources by promoting sustainable use of the region’s forests, farms and waterways;Address gaps in basic needs for underserved, low-income residents.
Economic development
In addition to ongoing funding to strengthen communities and the region’s economy, the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund is taking a systemic approach to supporting two industries with significant potential for growth: Energy efficiency and non-motorized outdoor recreation (from hunting and fishing to hiking, biking and skiing).
Community resiliency
The Tillotson Fund invests in organizations and projects that strengthen communities and connect people with one another, and with the region.
Regional planning and capital improvements that emphasize vibrant and walkable downtowns, community gathering places, cultural enrichment and revitalization of existing infrastructure.Efforts that ensure that the region’s rural landscapes are healthy, intact and available for public use and long-term community benefit.Youth development and leadership. The fund supports and is helping expand youth development and leadership programs, such as Youth Leadership Through Adventure, that help young people become more engaged with their communities, take leadership roles in their schools, and make healthy choices throughout their lives.Basic needs. The fund supports efforts ensure that everyone in our communities can thrive and contribute, including expansion of affordable and safe housing; increase in access to critical health care services, including services for substance use disorders and access to dental care; increased access to healthy, fresh and locally produced foods, and efforts that address the causes of increased need for food assistance; and access to legal services regardless of income.
Education
The Tillotson Fund is supporting education from early childhood through adulthood.
Grant Amount
Large Grants Program applicants may request between $20,000 and $300,000 (multiyear grants may request up to $100,000 per year for up to 3 years) and require a pre-application consultation with Tillotson Fund Community Partner.

Eligibility

Geographic focusThe Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund has a preference for programs that benefit Coös County, NH as well as bordering communities in the United States and Canada.The Tillotson Fund considers applications that include these bordering communities as a significant part of a larger regional or international effort.Tax-exempt organizations and municipalities serving the MRC of Coaticook, Quebec are encouraged to apply.EligibilityOrganizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS or CRA are eligible, including US nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, Canadian organizations with qualified donee status, tax-exempt public agencies, schools and municipalities.Other community groups and organizations that do not have U.S. or Canadian tax-exempt status may apply for funding if a 501(c)(3) organization, municipality or public agency acts as their fiscal sponsor.