The Lyme Foundation Grants

The Lyme Foundation offers Foundation Grants to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life in Lyme, New Hampshire. The Foundation was established with the mission of supporting local projects and initiatives that directly benefit the town’s residents. Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations working on projects that align with the Foundation’s commitment to community enrichment, innovation, and service. The Foundation prioritizes funding requests where a relatively small amount of money can produce significant community benefits. Projects that encourage volunteerism, address safety concerns, or reach underserved groups within Lyme are highly valued. Applications are also evaluated on their ability to seed innovative programs, benefit a broad constituency, or foster partnerships, particularly when the request exceeds $5,000. The Foundation’s mission emphasizes consistency with local values and encourages projects that do not overlap with traditional town budget allocations. Applications for Foundation Grants can be submitted at any time, with a rolling review process. Typically, if an application is received by the 15th of a given month, the Board reviews it the following month. The Grants Committee first evaluates applications and may invite applicants to provide further details in person. Recommendations are then forwarded to the full Board of Trustees, which meets monthly to decide on funding. Once a decision is reached, applicants are notified, and arrangements for disbursement of funds are made. Applications must include a description of the project, its start and completion dates, a detailed budget, and the amount requested. Applicants are also required to explain how their project will enhance life in Lyme, list other potential funding sources, and provide the name and contact details of the organizational representative. Excess grant funds not used in a project must be returned to the Lyme Foundation in accordance with its obligations as a 501(c)(3) organization. Grant recipients are required to submit a final written report at the completion of their project, or interim reports if the project extends beyond one year. They must also acknowledge the Lyme Foundation in any publications or public announcements about their project, and allow the Foundation to list grant recipients and award amounts in its own materials. The reporting process ensures accountability and transparency while highlighting the Foundation’s role in community development. Applications may be submitted online via the Foundation’s form, by email to John Campbell at John.L.Campbell@Dartmouth.edu, or by mail to The Lyme Foundation, P.O. Box 292, Lyme, NH 03768. Questions can be directed to John Campbell, who, along with the Grants Committee, is available to assist applicants in preparing proposals. This direct support structure helps community organizations strengthen their submissions and align with the Foundation’s expectations for meaningful local impact.