Two Ways to Secure Support from New Hampshire’s Bean Foundation

The foundation is based in Manchester, new Hampshire. Photo: Wangkun Jia/shutterstock

Since 1967, the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation has been supporting local nonprofits in New Hampshire to benefit the communities of Manchester and Amherst. The funder is based in the city of Manchester and awards grants in two specific ways.

Here’s an overview of the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation’s grantmaking and how New Hampshire nonprofits can approach this funder for support.

Bean Foundation general grants

The Bean Foundation’s general grantmaking program has several well-defined topics of interest: arts and humanities, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit. The funder accepts applications by December 1, April 1 and September 1 deadlines. Following these deadlines, it reviews applications at February, June and November meetings.

Although most Bean Foundation grants are for project support, it also accepts requests for capital support as long as capital campaign contributions do not exceed 3% to 4% of the total campaign goal. Occasionally, the funder will help nonprofits get loans at below-market rates to help with cash flow management, property acquisitions, equipment and facilities improvements, and bridge funding. Organizations should wait at least two years before submitting a new grant request after receiving funding from the Bean Foundation.

Educational enhancement mini-grants

In addition to the foundation’s traditional grantmaking program, it also has a mini-grants program that exclusively focuses on the field of education. The mini-grants program supports creative projects that expand and build upon classroom lessons, offer new co-curricular activity opportunities, and address health and wellness in school settings. Mini-grant program grantees are teachers and staff members at public schools in Manchester and Amherst, New Hampshire.

These mini-grants are usually for up to $750, and teachers and staff members can receive one award per school year. There are no deadlines for the mini-grants program — the Bean Foundation accepts and reviews applications throughout the year. Applicants can expect to receive a response from the foundation within three weeks of submitting a proposal.

Other things to know

There are several other things prospective grantees should know about this funder. For one thing, although the Beans had homes in both Manchester and Amherst and wished for both communities to benefit after their deaths, approximately 90% of grants go to organizations in Manchester, while just 10% of grants go to organizations in Amherst.

The foundation has seven trustees that meet to discuss grant applications and make funding decisions. Its director is willing to discuss potential projects before receiving a formal application, so nonprofits should take advantage of this opportunity and make at least a phone introduction.

Learn more about this funder in the news section of the foundation’s website and in IP’s full profile of the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, which is part of our New Hampshire Grants for Nonprofits Guide.