Manchester accepting grant applications for community-based projects and events

By: Annmarie Timmins - June 17, 2022 2:12 pm

Manchester has given some of its $43.2 million in pandemic relief to nonprofits to host festivals and other community events to address the negative impacts of COVID-19. (Courtesy)

One year ago Manchester learned it would receive $43.2 million in pandemic aid. Since then, it’s awarded 29 nonprofits nearly $254,000 in grants, and now it’s looking to give out more.

The mayor’s office announced Wednesday it is accepting a second round of applications for the nearly $1 million it allotted to community-based projects and events aimed at helping the city recover from the negative effects of the pandemic. Eligible projects include public art installations, community events, outdoor seating, and recreation, according to the application.

The grant program is one of dozens of initiatives in Manchester’s detailed investment plan it released last year. It was among the only communities to do so. Most of the spending addresses public health and safety issues.

As in the first round, nonprofits can request up to $10,000 for projects. Most of the first-round of awards received the full amount. Recipients include the Currier Museum of Art for a block party; NH Black Women’s Health Project to host a cultural festival; Manchester Grows for a community garden; and the Palace Theater Trust to host a weeklong arts festival.

Recipients must provide a minimum 25 percent match, which can be met with money, in-kind donations, or volunteer hours.

Applications are due Aug. 15.

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Annmarie Timmins

Senior reporter Annmarie Timmins is a New Hampshire native who covered state government, courts, and social justice issues for the Concord Monitor for 25 years. During her time with the Monitor, she won a Nieman Fellowship to study journalism and mental health courts at Harvard for a year. She has taught journalism at the University of New Hampshire and writing at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications.