In endowing a foundation, Norwin and Elizabeth Bean demonstrated a special concern and affection for the two communities in which they were born and lived. They left a permanent trust, the income from which was to be used to benefit the communities of Manchester and Amherst, New Hampshire. The Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation was established in 1967 as a private, independent foundation and, consistent with the wishes of the founders, grants are made in the fields of arts and humanities, education , environment, health, human services, and public benefit.