The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) announced a new round of Ideas to Innovation (i2i) Activation Grants, designed to support creative, community-driven efforts that strengthen connection, belonging and civic life across the state. The grants, offering up to $3,500 for at least five selected projects, will fund early-stage ideas that activate public and community spaces, foster engagement and build stronger social infrastructure in New Hampshire communities.
The funding opportunity was unveiled at CDFA’s i2i Symposium: ReWeaving the Social Fabric of Our Communities, held on March 26 in Manchester. The event convened community leaders, practitioners and partners from across sectors with speakers that brought diverse perspectives on people and place to explore how public spaces, such as community centers, parks, schools, libraries and local gathering places, can serve as critical infrastructure for social connection and civic health. The creative work of visual artists Benjamin Archibald and Marek Bennett helped attendees experience the role of art and storytelling in building connection and shared understanding. Highlights and moments from the day can be experienced by exploring key themes and graphic reflections from the day; viewing participants’ doodles in the Tabletop Art Gallery; and browsing photo highlights from the event.
“The conversations at this year’s symposium made it clear that communities across New Hampshire are actively rethinking how spaces can bring people together,” said Rebecca Boisvert, Director of Community Development at CDFA. “The energy in the room reflected a strong shared commitment to strengthening civic life across New Hampshire. These activation grants are designed to take that momentum and turn it into action within our communities.”
CDFA’s i2i Activation Grants focus on early-stage investments, where relatively small amounts of funding can catalyze new approaches to community development. The 2026 funding round centers specifically on social infrastructure to support the places, relationships, organizations and services that create opportunities for people to participate in community life. When these connections are strong, communities are more resilient and better positioned to support economic vitality, civic engagement and sustainable community development.
Eligible proposals may include community programming, temporary space activation, planning efforts, or partnership-based initiatives that create inclusive, accessible opportunities for engagement. Funded activities may support capacity building, planning and development, implementation, or evaluation of community-based ideas.
Applications for the i2i Activation Grants open April 21 and must be submitted by May 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM through CDFA’s online Grants Management System: www.nhcdfagrants.org. Final funding decisions will be made in June. Learn more about applying for an i2i Activation Grant.
For additional program details or questions, contact:
Rebecca Boisvert, Director of Community Development
Main: 603-226-2170 | Direct: 603-717-9130
Email: rboisvert@nhcdfa.org | www.nhcdfa.org
