The annual distribution of the Trust has been administered by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord for many years and all the proceeds (except $2000 per year granted to the Concord Society) must be awarded to other UU Churches in New Hampshire. These grants are awarded in two broad categories:

• The “Ministry” grants allow qualified applicants to provide their services to New Hampshire UU Churches in both traditional and innovative UU ministries.
• The “Project” grants are generally used to improve access, comply with building code, and repair New Hampshire UU Churches.

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