Downing Trust
Each year, in accordance with the will of Lewis Downing, a committee of our church receives approximately $10,000 to $20,000 from the Lewis Downing Trust. Only $2000 of this money can go to our church to use as we see fit. The remainder of the money is awarded to ministers, churches, or programs that will “strengthen the societies of the Unitarian faith in New Hampshire.” Read more about Lewis Downing and the Downing Trust history.
Since 2022, grants have been awarded to intern ministers serving NH and to UU Action NH. We are not accepting application for grants at this time.
For more information about Downing grants, email Director of Membership & Administration Lea Smith at lea@concorduu.org.
Here is a summary of the grants made possible by the Lewis Downing Trust to benefit the UU Churches of New Hampshire.
2024
Two Intern Ministers working in New Hampshire – $5000 each
UU Action NH – $9415.56
2023
Four Intern Ministers working in New Hampshire – $2500 each
UU Action NH – $7820.86
2022
Three Intern Ministers working in New Hampshire – $3000 each
Rev. Bevan Tulk – $1500
UU Action NH – $5504.05
2021
2020
During the COVID pandemic, we took an alternative approach to grant-making. We gave $600 grants to all 23 NH UU churches to assist with whatever special needs their churches were facing. We gave the remainder of the grants funds available, about $7000, to UU Action NH.
2019
M’ellen Kennedy, minister-at-large, two projects $6828
Emily Burr, minister in residence, $6574.59
UU Church, Manchester, membership development $3700
2018
UU Church Manchester, Sanctuary for immigrants $5050
Walpole Unitarian Church, walkway entrance $3250
UU Society of Laconia, social justice $1500
UU Society of Laconia, safety project $1034
UU Church in Springfield, advertising $1020
Kali Fyre, 2018 Minister at Large $3500.21
2017
UU Church of Franklin, mold remediation and remodel $10,177.52
M’ellen Kennedy, 2017 Minister at Large $4160
2016
UU Church of Franklin, repairs, renovations, handicapped ramp, $6700
UU Church of Portsmouth, support for new fire safety system, $6512
2015
Nottingham UU Church, renovate front entry, $4241.59
UU Society of Laconia, advertising, $1000
UU Church of Nashua, White Wing School, certification, $5000
Rev. Carol Strecker, 2015 minister at large, $3600
2014
Peterborough UU Church, kitchen renovations, $6,775.00
UU Society of Laconia, advertising, $1,000.00
Keene UU Church, accessible door opener, $2,500.00
Rev Jeanne Nieuwajaar, 2014 minister at large, $1,499.16
2013
Rev. Shayna Appel, minister at large and support for writing book $6252.02
UU Society of Laconia, advertising campaign $1000
UU Church of Manchester, music program support $2000
2012
UU Society, Laconia, Public Relations Campaign, $1000
Kearsarge UU Fellowship, 50% of advertising, choir development and guest speakers, $2020
UU Church of Manchester, Membership Coordinator, $3472.49
2011
UU Church of Manchester, Hire Membership Coordinator, $5400
UU Society of Laconia, Advertising, $1000
Starr King UU Fellowship (Plymouth), Part time pianist, $1000
UU Fellowship of the Eastern Slopes, PR Campaign, $2900
Jennifer Whitten, Minister at Large, $2500
UU Church of Manchester, Music Ministry, $1414.15
2010
UU Society of Laconia, guest preachers $2000
Rev. Emily Burr, minister-at-large, 10 sermons $2000
Rev. Brendan Hadash, minister for North Country UU $3200
Northern New England District, salary support for Rev. Mary Higgins, $800
UU Church of Manchester, music program support, $2331.84
Walpole UU Church, infrastructure in honor of 250th anniversary, $2000
2009
UU Church Manchester for music ministry $5725
NNED Rev. Mary Higgins, minister-at-large $4000
NNED UU Action Network $1000
North Country UU Society, general support for emerging congregation $4287.26