The Corporate Fund has been proud to support New Hampshire's nonprofits since the early 1980's, when its founding members decided to gather New Hampshire's most generous companies and pool resources to assist New Hampshire's nonprofits. Grantmaking has been a cornerstone of Corporate Fund activity since its beginning with over $3.5 million provided to New Hampshire nonprofits during that time. However, changes in the corporate world have necessitated changes to the Corporate Fund, including ending its grantmaking program.

Why the need to change?
Specifically, the Corporate Fund was faced with a growing number of applicants and a shrinking grantmaking pool. The dollars available for grantmaking have been shrinking by an average of 15% per year for the past 5 years. For 2009, the predicted drop would be the most dramatic of all - over 50%.

In order to continue supporting the sector, the Corporate Fund members needed to re-think how they could still add value to the sector in a different way. The Corporate Fund members decided to re-structure the program to be able to assist the greatest number of nonprofits with their available resources.

How did the program change?
The Corporate Fund has asked the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits to provide some low-cost programs designed specifically to strengthen nonprofits across the state. Rather than a single $5,000 grant given directly to one organization, that same investment can now mean that 60 or so organizations have the opportunity to learn from some of the best presenters around.

What has stayed the same?

1. Consultant Resource Bank & the Board Self-Assessment
2. The Corporate Fund Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management (in honor of Walter J. Dunfey)
3. In addition, individual corporate members will continue their own grantmaking practices from their own corporations, as resources allow.

What else is available?
A series of learning and skill building opportunities is being offered to all local nonprofits through the NH Center for Nonprofits.

The NH Center for Nonprofits has a full description of these programs on its website - New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits.

The Corporate Fund remains committed to the strength and health of the nonprofit sector in New Hampshire, but these economic times require us all to try to do more with less. We trust that these changes will continue to add value to the sector which is so essential in supporting the vibrancy of our communities.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Phillips at ap@nhcf.org or 603-225-6641 ext 1232.