BERLIN, N.H. (AP) – A fund established by the former owner of the Balsams Grand Hotel will dole out $3 million in grants to North Country projects over the next year.
The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation created the program to help promote economic development in the region.
The fund plans to award up to $1.2 million by the end of this year and commit the entire $3 million by the end of June 2007. Rachael Stuart, vice president of program at the Charitable Foundation, said both big and small projects will be considered. Grants range from under $15,000 to $100,000.
Multiyear grants up to three years, with a maximum of $300,000, also will be considered.
Projects that benefit Colebrook, Pittsburg, Clarksville, Stewartstown, Dixville, and other towns in Coos County and adjoining communities in the United States and Canada are a priority.
Stuart said the fund would like to back grassroots efforts but will consider funding organizations that are located outside Coos County if the project benefits the North Country. Towns and public institutions such as schools, libraries, and recreation departments are eligible to apply.
The programs goals are to support and strengthen existing institutions and community leaders; invest in development of new and emerging leadership; strengthen the ability of communities and individuals to affect public policy; address gaps in service to meet community needs; and preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and social assets of the region.
Funding priorities are economic development, conservative and sustainable forestry, education, and basic needs and community safety net.
In the first round, applications for up to $15,000 are due Sept. 1; applications for $15,000 to $100,000 are due Sept. 15.
The deadline for the second round of funding is March 1, 2007.
Stuart said the grants can be used as a match to leverage other funds.
Stuart said the foundation is willing to help groups put together applications.
Application material is available at www.nhcf.org.
Neil Tillotson, who died in 2001, was born in nearby Vermont and was a resident of Dixville where he was the owner of the Balsams Grant Resort and Tillotson Rubber Company. He was famous for casting the first ballot in Dixville Notchs First-in-the Nation voting.
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