Phaneuf Family Foundation

Phaneuf Family Foundation

No one should be denied dignity in death because of financial hardship. Via generous donations, the Phaneuf Family Foundation helps New Hampshire families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, offering financial support, compassion, and respect.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

An infant gone too soon

A fragile life was only beginning when the baby died at just two months. The grieving parents, struggling to keep up with rent due to a high-risk pregnancy, had no means to pay for their infant’s cremation. A grandmother reached out to us for help. The Foundation stepped in to ensure a farewell with dignity.

A grad student away from home

He came to New Hampshire for a better future, but a sudden hemorrhage ended his life before graduation. His mother, in Maryland, was devastated emotionally and financially. The Foundation provided urgent funds so her son could be brought home and laid to rest with dignity.

A friend with no family

Her family was gone, and she had no savings and no one to handle her funeral plan or expenses. A friend who frequently helped her through tough times stepped in to make arrangements. Welfare covered most, but not all of the cost. The Foundation filled the $350 gap to ensure she could be cremated with compassion.

A young victim of gun violence

His family was shattered by his murder and unprepared for the financial burden immediately upon them. The Foundation helped cover funeral expenses so his family could grieve without the added stress of unexpected costs.

These are just a few of the families the Foundation has supported since founding in 2019. 

We provide grants of up to $1,000 to New Hampshire and Vermont residents who cannot afford the full cost of a cremation or funeral

In 2025, we approved assistance for 84% of eligible applicants, with the average grant of $611 easing the financial weight of grief.

Our mission goes beyond covering final expenses.

We invest in the future of compassionate care by funding scholarships for students entering the funeral profession.

We honor those already making a difference through our Caregiver Superstar of the Year award, which shines a spotlight on the dedication and heart of hospice professionals.

The need is growing. More families are turning to us every year, and every dollar makes a difference.