CDFA and New Hampshire Humanities Invite Granite Staters to Engage in Discussions on Community, Resilience, and Belonging
CONCORD, N.H. — The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) are launching a series of Community Conversations across six New Hampshire locations aimed at exploring the changing nature of communities and the role of community centers in strengthening our state’s towns and cities. All are welcome to attend.
At a time when many people find connections through work, hobbies, or online spaces, this initiative focuses on strengthening ties to local communities and fostering meaningful engagement. Community members are invited to participate in facilitated discussions on themes such as community identity, resilience, access to shared spaces, and the role of community centers in fostering belonging. Artist Marek Bennett will illustrate the key themes from the conversations, creating a graphic recording of participants’ insights.
“These events are an opportunity for people to come together, share their perspectives, and reimagine how we connect with one another,” said Beth Salerno, Program Director at New Hampshire Humanities. “By listening to each other’s experiences and ideas, we can encourage open dialogue, creative reflection, and new ways of thinking about civic life.”
In addition to community dialogue, these discussions will directly influence Community Response Projects in each of the six host communities. With funding support from CDFA, local organizations will develop community-led initiatives based on the ideas and themes that emerge from the conversations.
“Our goal is to translate these conversations into meaningful action,” said Rebecca Boisvert, Director of Community Development at CDFA. “By participating, residents will not only engage in dynamic discussions but also help shape community-driven initiatives that reflect the needs and aspirations of their towns and cities.”
Potential projects may include shared reading programs, storytelling events, performances, welcoming initiatives for newcomers, or other collaborative efforts designed to strengthen local connections.
Event Details & Locations
Community Conversations will take place in six locations across the state:
- Whitefield, NH – April 8, 2025, 5:30 PM, Mountain View Grand
- Nashua, NH – May 2, 2025, 6:00 PM, Nashua Public Library
- Harrisville, NH – May 5, 2025, 4:30 PM, The Spinning Room, Historic Harrisville
- North Conway, NH – May 7, 2025, 6:00 PM, Gibson Center for Senior Services
- Holderness, NH – May 10, 2025, 6:00 PM, Squam Lakes Association
- Portsmouth, NH – May 15, 2025, 6:00 PM, Portsmouth Community Campus
To learn more and register, visit: nhcdfa.org/CommunityConversations.
Community Center Investment Program resources support the enhancement of current indoor and outdoor facilities, as well as the construction of new spaces, that have proven to be inclusive, open to the public, and foster a culture of health and wellbeing in the communities they serve. The Governor and Executive Council approved this investment of federal American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds in December 2022. The program is being administered in coordination with the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery.
For media inquiries, please contact:
CDFA: Melissa Latham, Director of Communications and Policy, mlatham@nhcdfa.org or 603-717-9107
NHH: Rebecca Kinhan, Director of Communications, rkinhan@nhhumanities.org or 603-856-1467
About the Community Development Finance Authority
The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide nonprofit public authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan and equity programs. Those resources include New Hampshire state tax credits, federal Community Development Block Grant resources and the CDFA Clean Energy Fund. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit www.nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170.
About New Hampshire Humanities
New Hampshire Humanities (NHH) funds and supports programs that inspire curiosity, foster civil dialogue, and explore big questions. An independent, statewide nonprofit, NHH made possible last year 1,206 free public programs and digital broadcasts reaching 33,470 residents, in partnership with 414 organizations in 181 communities, to engage all citizens, regardless of their age or educational level, with the humanities. For more information, please visit www.nhhumanities.org.
###
