New Hampshire residents have access to federal grant programs plus state-administered programs funded by federal block grants, state appropriations, and partnerships with private foundations. This guide covers the most relevant 2026 programs by category.
Federal grants available in New Hampshire
Every federal grant available nationally is open to New Hampshire residents. The most commonly used include the Pell Grant (up to $7,580 in 2026–27), the FSEOG ($100–$4,000), the TEACH Grant ($4,000/yr), SBA loans and SBIR/STTR awards, FEMA disaster assistance, USDA Rural Development grants, and HUD-funded housing vouchers. Apply at the issuing agency or through grants.gov — there is no New Hampshire-specific step for federal programs.
State higher-education grants
New Hampshire does not run a large state need-based grant; most state-funded aid is delivered through CCSNH programs, the NH Workforce Student Loan Repayment Program for high-need fields, and scholarships at the NH Charitable Foundation (the largest private granter of college aid in the state). Granite Guarantee covers tuition for Pell-eligible NH residents at UNH, Plymouth State, and Keene State.
Apply by filing the FAFSA and, where required, the state's own aid application through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). New Hampshire deadlines are typically earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline.
State-administered federal block grants
Many programs Californians and Texans think of as "state" grants begin as federal block grants. In New Hampshire, federal pass-through funds are administered by state agencies:
- LIHEAP (heating/cooling assistance) — apply through the New Hampshire Department of Human Services or equivalent
- WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) — administered through the state energy office
- TANF (cash assistance for families with children) — county or state social services
- CCDF (child-care subsidies) — state child-care agency
- CDBG / HOME (community development and housing) — administered by the state department of housing or community affairs
- SNAP (food assistance) — state-administered USDA program
Housing assistance in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Housing offers Home Flex and Home Preferred mortgages with optional down-payment assistance up to $10,000. The agency also administers Section 8 vouchers statewide and the InvestNH affordable-housing funds approved by the state legislature. The state portal at nh.gov lists current programs and income limits.
Small-business support in New Hampshire
BEA's Office of Strategic Initiatives and the CDFA (Community Development Finance Authority) administer CDBG grants to municipalities, the L5 Capital Access program, and Tax Credits that effectively function as grants for participating businesses. The NH SBDC at UNH provides free counseling.
Disaster and emergency assistance
When the President declares a federal disaster in New Hampshire, FEMA Individual Assistance opens for affected households (grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious needs not covered by insurance). The SBA Disaster Loan program funds homeowner, renter, and business recovery. Track current declarations at fema.gov/locations/new-hampshire and dial 211 for local nonprofit and crisis assistance.
How to apply
- File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov — required for nearly every higher-education grant, federal or state.
- Apply for NH workforce aid through New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) (often via the FAFSA plus a state form).
- Apply for housing assistance through New Hampshire Housing or your local Public Housing Authority (PHA).
- For small business, contact your local SBDC or APEX Accelerator for free counseling and pre-screening.
- For energy or food assistance, apply through your county or New Hampshire state social-services office.
- For disaster aid, register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov as soon as a declaration is issued.
There is no application fee for any legitimate government grant. Any service charging to "process," "expedite," or "guarantee" a federal or New Hampshire grant is a scam. Report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Common questions
Where do I find the official New Hampshire grant portal? Start at the state portal nh.gov and navigate to the agency relevant to your need (higher education, housing, economic development, or human services). Each agency lists its current grant programs and application windows.
Are New Hampshire grants taxable? It depends on the program. Grants used for qualified educational expenses (tuition, required fees, books) are generally not taxable. Grants to for-profit businesses generally are. Disaster-relief grants from FEMA are generally not taxable. Consult a tax professional or IRS Publication 970 for the specific program.
What if my SBA loan or state grant application is denied? You typically have an appeal window. Your local SBDC can review the denial reason and help you reapply or pursue alternative financing. For federal programs, contact the agency's ombudsman. For state programs, the state agency's appeals process is published with the program rules.
Where do I report grant scams in New Hampshire? Report scams to the FTC and the New Hampshire Attorney General's office at https://www.doj.nh.gov/.
State residency alone does not qualify you for any grant — every program has its own eligibility criteria. Apply early, especially for state higher-education grants, which often have deadlines earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline.