The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (CMNH) is excited to share that they have been awarded $200,000 in Tax Credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). On June 17th, CDFA awarded 21 nonprofits a total of $6.6 million in tax credit resources to advance their missions and implement community economic development initiatives. These tax credits have been granted to the Museum, a 501c3 non-profit,  to help fund a Luckey Climber. A Luckey Climber is a visually stunning, large-scale climbing structure that combines art, architecture, and play. 

“The climber will provide a new experience each visit, support children’s physical and mental health through active play, and extend the age of our audience” states CMNH President Jane Bard. “This exhibit is an important step in growing our attendance and related revenue as well as insulating the Museum from the fluctuations in contributed funding, making us more self-reliant for the future.”

Luckey Climbers have been designed for museums and public spaces around the world and have a reputation for attracting visitors to their institutions and therefore supporting the surrounding communities.

“This year’s awardees have demonstrated a deep dedication to their communities and are leading impactful projects that will deliver critical services and infrastructure needed throughout the Granite State,” stated Katy Easterly Martey, Executive Director of CDFA. “CDFA’s Tax Credit and Capacity Building Programs are a vital resource for New Hampshire nonprofits and municipalities to advance projects that create the foundation for strong, thriving communities and grow our economy.” 

Grants are made to organizations in the form of tax equity. New Hampshire businesses support the selected projects by purchasing the tax credits, resulting in the nonprofit receiving a donation and the company receiving a 75 percent New Hampshire state tax credit against that contribution. The credit can be applied against the Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax, or Insurance Premium. To learn more about CDFA’s Tax Credit Program, visit: https://nhcdfa.org/investing-in-nh-communities/tax-credit-program/.  

“This project represents the largest and most ambitious exhibit installation in CMNH’s 43-year history,” says Bard “The 30-foot climber will be installed on the Museum’s first floor and will rise into our second story, utilizing vertical space, the only untapped square footage in our facility. Ours will be one of just three climbers located in New England!” 

CMNH invites your donations to support this landmark project that will engage thousands of children annually and serve as a vibrant symbol of community investment in education, art, physical and mental well-being, and play for many years to come.

If you are a business that pays NH taxes and are interested in purchasing tax credits from the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire to support this exciting exhibit installation, or have questions, please contact Monique Deforge, Director of Development, monique@childrens-museum.org, (603) 742-2002. More information about the tax credit program can be found on the CDFA website: www.nhcdfa.org.

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. 

IMAGE: CMNH receives tax credit award: Pictured (L to R), Katy Easterly Martey, Executive Director of CDFA, Monique Deforge CMNH Director of Development, and Senator David Watters