The New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) has received a $2,234 mini-grant from Volunteer NH to implement new volunteer management technology for its corps of 200+ volunteers who support programs, events, and daily operations.
The grant will fund the Bloomerang Volunteer Engagement Platform, creating NHBM’s first centralized digital system for recruiting, scheduling, tracking, and communicating with volunteers. The system will maintain accurate volunteer records, ensure consistent onboarding workflows including training requirements, and improve reporting for grant compliance and impact evaluation.
“This technology investment ensures we can continue supporting our volunteers as effectively as they support us,” said NHBM Executive Director Devon Kurtz. “With more than 200 volunteers supporting everything from our biannual Regatta to daily operations, we need systems that can match volunteer skills to organizational needs and streamline communication.”
The grant will also fund the purchase of two iPads to provide on-site volunteer check-in and real-time hour tracking during NHBM programs. The mobile devices will also enable staff and volunteer leads to manage volunteers efficiently on high-traffic days without relying on fixed office workstations.
The technology investment comes as NHBM continues to build on record-breaking community engagement, with a 40% increase in visitors in 2025. “As we continue to expand our role in the Lakes Region, our volunteers remain at the heart of everything we accomplish,” added Kurtz.
This NH Volunteer Engagement project is made possible through a generous grant from Volunteer NH.
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM offers dynamic exhibits and engaging events and programs tailored to the diverse boating lifestyles and values of people of all ages. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Home Comfort, North Water Marine, Goodhue Boat Company, Belletetes, Eastern Propane and Oil, Kingswood Press and Design Studios, and Watermark Marine.