Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund

Total Fund Amount: Expected to provide approximately $21 million over a 20-year period

Geographic Scope: Upper Connecticut River watershed (upstream of White River Junction, VT), including New Hampshire and Vermont

Focus Areas:

  • Water quality improvement

  • Habitat restoration

  • Open space conservation

  • Wetlands and shore lands protection within the upper Connecticut River watershed
  • Background:
    The fund was created as part of the settlement agreement between parties involved in the federal process to award a new operating license for three hydroelectric dams on the Connecticut River at Fifteen Mile Falls near Littleton, NH and Ryegate, VT. The settlement agreement was signed in 1997, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new license in April 2002. Dam owner/operator TransCanada Hydro Northeast contributes a portion of annual profits from dam operations to the fund.

    Administration:
    A 12-person advisory committee made up of representatives from environmental organizations, state and federal agencies, local community groups, and TransCanada Hydro Northeast recommends grants.

    Grant Distribution History:

  • Since 2003, the fund has distributed $12.5 million

  • This is the 13th round of grants

  • The fund will continue until spent down
  • Priority Areas:
    Updated priority areas available at www.nhcf.org/mef

    Contact:

  • Kevin Peterson

  • Phone: 603-653-0387 ext. 21270

  • Email: xriva.crgrefba@aups.bet (note: this email appears corrupted in source material)

  • New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

  • 37 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301-4005

  • Phone: 603-225-6641 or 800-464-6641
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Application Guidelines: Updated grant application guidelines posted at www.nhcf.org/mef

    Deadline: Next application deadline announced later in year on website

    Note: Specific application procedures and detailed requirements should be obtained from the foundation website or by contacting the program officer.

    What Greater Rochester Community actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

    Grants in 2024
    21
    Total given
    $285K
    Median grant
    $10K
    Range
    $7,500–$25K
    • By dollars: New Hampshire 100%. Top recipient cities: Dover, NH; Portsmouth, NH; Rochester, NH.
    • 76% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

    Example grants

    • Coast · Dover, NH

      For general support & expand transportation options for elders and disabled

      $25K

    • Connor's Climb Foundation · Exeter, NH

      To fund suicide prevention training in Strafford County & reduce stigma of mental health

      $25K

    • Community Action Partnership of Strafford County · Dover, NH

      To increase access to temporary housing while guiding clients toward permanent housing

      $20K

    • Cross Roads House · Portsmouth, NH

      To install new bathroom in Winter Warming Center serving Strafford, Rockingham Counties

      $20K

    • Greater Seacoast Community Health · Portsmouth, NH

      For behavioral health services at Somersworth High School

      $20K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    environmentwaterenvironmental-conservationland-conservation

    Categories

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