2025 Goals:

Since 1982, COAST has provided over 16 million rides connecting people and communities in the Greater Seacoast region, linking them to work, school, doctor appointments, shopping and social events. COAST’s annual operating budget ranges between $7.5 million and $8.5 million. As our balance of funding sources shifts, COAST’s operational goals are to maintain all currently operated fixed-route services, respond to the growing needs for our demand response services for older adults and individuals living with disabilities, and maintain competitive pay rates for our most challenging-to-fill positions. Our capital goals include raising the outstanding resources needed to begin construction on our new facility and creating an endowment that will support long-range strategic projects.

Fundraising Events:

COAST hosts a series of “Learn and Engage” events through the year aimed at raising awareness and investment among the business and philanthropic communities. During the holidays, COAST supports area bus ticket donation drives. We also participate in annual online fundraising events such as NH Gives and Giving Tuesday.

Giving Opportunities:

COAST’s budget is funded through a blend of sources, one of which is federal funding that requires a local match. Giving opportunities, all of which qualify as a match, include sponsorships of “fare-free days” and advertising on COAST buses and shelters.

In addition to these annual support opportunities, COAST is in the midst of a $7 million capital campaign to support the future of public transportation on the Seacoast. The campaign has three priority areas: Capital, building a state-of-the-art facility ($4 million); Annual, strengthening our financial base ($1 million); and Endowment, ensuring a Future of Opportunity ($2 million).

Capital campaign giving opportunities include direct gifts of cash, securities, personal property and various types of planned gifts. Naming opportunities at the new facility are also available.

Board Officers   /   Board Members

Dennis Shanahan
Chair
City of Dover

Michael Scala
Vice Chair
City of Rochester

Scott Bogle
Treasurer
Rockingham Planning Commission

Margaret Joyce
Secretary
Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce

Sean Clancy
City of Portsmouth

Sönke Dornblut
Town of Newmarket

Denis Hebert
Town of Newington

Colin Lentz
Strafford Regional Planning Commission

Michael Mates
Pease Development Authority

Joann Neumann
Families First Health & Support Center

Crystal Paradis-Catanzaro
City of Somersworth

David Tovey
Town of Exeter

Charitable Giving Guide

This profile is part of NH Business Review’s 2025 Charitable Giving Guide.

To learn more about the Charitable Giving Guide and other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, please visit www.nhbr.com/CGG.