Bean Foundation Educational Enhancement Grant

The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation provides philanthropic support to nonprofit organizations that directly serve the communities of Manchester and Amherst, New Hampshire. With a strong focus on community impact, the foundation directs its grantmaking toward projects in arts and culture, education, environment, human services, health, and public benefit. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address significant local problems or opportunities and that demonstrate strong professional and volunteer leadership. Grants are awarded three times annually, with application deadlines on December 1, April 1, and September 1. Applications must be submitted electronically via Dropbox.com by 5 p.m. on the deadline date. Funding decisions are made in February, June, and November respectively. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant before reapplying. The foundation does not support travel or personal conference expenses, nor does it fund individuals, scholarships, or camperships. Contributions to major capital campaigns typically do not exceed three percent of the total campaign goal, although exceptions may be made for organizations serving low-income populations. Grant support is primarily allocated to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Manchester and Amherst. Funding to statewide or regional organizations is considered only when the proposed project has a direct and measurable impact on these two cities. Grants may support programs, general operations for new initiatives or urgent needs, equipment, and facility improvements. Applications that expand staff or services are reviewed with an eye toward sustainability. Projects that promote collaboration, financial stability, and innovation are particularly encouraged. The foundation also issues Targeted Grants, which are multi-year awards (three to five years) intended to address specific needs identified through strategic planning. These grants are pursued proactively by the foundation, and recipient organizations are selected based on their capacity to address the identified priorities. Such recipients are expected to provide annual updates and a final detailed report. Targeted grantees may still apply for additional funding if the request falls outside the scope of their existing award. Organizations may submit a concise application using the foundation’s cover sheet, which includes information on organizational background, financial data, and project summary. Applicants are encouraged to discuss proposals with the Foundation Director in advance of submission. Each grant application should include a brief overview, objectives, and funding request details. The foundation emphasizes transparency and authenticity in budgeting and project descriptions. Contact for the grant is Diane DiPersio, Foundation Director, located at 40 Stark Street, Manchester, NH 03101. She can be reached at 603.493.7257 or via email at Diane@beanfoundation.org. This grant program recurs three times per year and remains an important funding avenue for nonprofits focused on community improvement in Manchester and Amherst.

Emphasize measurable impact on Manchester or Amherst; avoid applying within two years of last award; be transparent about budget and staffing sustainability.