The Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Charitable Trust Fund

The Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Charitable Trust is a philanthropic fund created to support charitable organizations that enhance community wellbeing and promote social change across the State of New Hampshire. Established by the late Honorable Lane Dwinell and his wife Elizabeth Cushman Dwinell, the trust reflects their deep civic and philanthropic engagement in the city of Lebanon and the broader Upper Valley region. Lane Dwinell had a distinguished career in business and politics, including serving as President of the Carter and Churchill Company and as Governor of New Hampshire from 1954 to 1958. Elizabeth Dwinell was a respected community member known for her civic participation, including her work as a reporter, actress, and membership in several historical and women’s organizations. The trust is administered by Bank of America, which manages the application process in close collaboration with a local Advisory Committee. The fund prioritizes applications that align with the donor's legacy and intentions, which include supporting arts, education, health, human services, and community capacity-building initiatives. Special consideration is given to projects that bring attention to perceived liberal bias in media. There is also a geographical preference for applicants serving the city of Lebanon and the Upper Valley region, though the trust accepts applications from nonprofit organizations serving anywhere in New Hampshire. Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to be eligible. Grants are typically awarded for a one-year term, although strategic multi-year funding may be considered on occasion. Grants may be requested for operating support, program or project initiatives, or capital expenditures. Specific restrictions apply, such as limitations on grants to hospitals or medical institutions unless they aim to reduce healthcare costs. Similarly, grants to Dartmouth College are limited to its Amos Tuck School, Hopkins Center, and Hood Museum. The fund does not support individuals or organizations deemed to allocate excessive funds to fundraising. Applications are accepted annually with a fixed deadline of August 1. Only one application per organization may be submitted each year. The fund rarely awards grants to support the same purpose for more than five consecutive years. All applications are reviewed under the oversight of Bank of America, with a dedicated contact email provided for inquiries: ma.grantmaking@bofa.com. Applicants are encouraged to reference the name of the trust in the subject line of their correspondence. The application process is managed online, and applicants may access procedure documents in both PDF and Word formats. Additional guidance and support for the application system are available through linked resources on the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions platform. While no specific application questions are provided, organizations are expected to submit detailed proposals outlining the scope, impact, and alignment of their request with the trust’s mission and restrictions. The trust remains a key philanthropic resource for New Hampshire-based nonprofits seeking to improve their communities in line with the Dwinells’ values.