Children's Auction awards $609K to 63 nonprofits

LACONIA — The Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction recently distributed $609,700 in grants to 63 nonprofits at a luncheon at the Huot Career and Technical Center at Laconia High School.

The 63 nonprofit leaders accepted their checks during the meet-and-greet event that offered nonprofit leaders the chance to collaborate and share challenges and strategies over a lunch prepared by students.

“We were glad to see everyone enjoying this celebration of their successes, feeling grateful not only for their grant but for the chance to gather with other nonprofit leaders and share stories and ideas,” said Jennifer Kelley, auction executive director. “It was a great opportunity for everyone.”

The grants are used to support local children and families in need. These initiatives address vital needs including food and housing insecurity and related emergency assistance; child care and afterschool programs, recreation, education and the arts; family resources; and health care, including mental health support, victim outreach and support, and preventative health and wellness training.

The auction had over $800,000 in requests in 2023 and awarded $609,700 to 63 agencies. For a list of organizations that received funding, visit childrensauction.com/whereourmoneygoes.

Board President Doug Morrissette is pleased with the process the organization uses to determine grant eligibility.

“We have a Distribution Committee that works tirelessly over many months to review grant requests, and these committee members also look at the health of each organization and its past use of funding to ensure that every dollar the auction grants has impact,” Morrissette said.

The next round of grant applications is due by Tuesday, Oct. 15. To apply for funding or learn more, visit childrensauction.org/apply-for-funding.