Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $24,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to nine organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Maine recipients of the donations collected during the second quarter of 2025 are:

Maine Farmland Trust

The Maine Farmland Trust protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming in Maine. Its goal is to keep agricultural lands working and help farmers and their communities thrive, including a Farm Network of over 500 farms that includes nearly 300 protected farms across the state. Learn more at mainefarmlandtrust.org.

“Thank you to the generous employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their donation. At Maine Farmland Trust, community support like theirs is fundamental to protecting farmland and supporting 3 farmers across the state, and together, we can grow a more vibrant future for Maine’s agricultural economy,” said Stacy Brenner, President and CEO of the Maine Farmland Trust.

Island Workforce Housing

Island Workforce Housing seeks to create housing solutions in Deer Isle and Stonington that are permanently affordable to individuals and families working in these communities. The organization offers housing opportunities with income-based rents that range from $700-$1,300 per month, depending on household size and income. Learn more at islandworkforcehousing.org.

“Island Workforce Housing is so very grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for selecting us as a recipient of their generosity through the Casual for a Cause Program. Your gift will support the next phase of permanently affordable workforce housing that we hope to build in Stonington this next year,” said Pamela Dewell, Executive Director of Island Workforce Housing. “I am excited to say that your gift will be matched one-to-one by our Board of Directors who have pledged to match gifts from island businesses up to a total of $50,000! Thank you so very much for being such thoughtful members of our island community.”

The Genesis Fund

The Genesis Fund works throughout Maine and Northern New England to make flexible loans, deliver expert project guidance, and promote policy solutions and systemic change. The organization offers impact investing for individuals and institutions to move resources that help communities overcome barriers to opportunity and prosperity. Learn more at genesisfund.org. “We’re honored that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees who care deeply about their communities have chosen to make this gift to Genesis,” said Liza Fleming-Ives, Executive Director of Genesis. “They are supporting their neighbors across Maine by contributing to our work making loans and providing guidance to expand access to affordable housing, childcare, healthcare, and other community essentials. We’re truly grateful for their partnership.”

YWCA Mount Desert Island

The YWCA of Mount Desert Island is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization seeks to do so through programs that offer affordable accommodations, encourage growth and development, promote self-confidence and pride, educational opportunities, and assist women to attain economic and political influence and leadership in the community. Learn more at ywcamdi.org. “We're so grateful to the employees who chose YWCA MDI to receive funds from the Casual for a Cause program. And, to the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for offering the opportunity,” said Jackie Davidson, Executive Director of YWCA of MDI. “This donation will be most helpful as we continue our work of providing safe & affordable lodging to women, and working with counselors in the area to make funds available for women who need these services.”

Families First Community Center

The Families First Community Center (FFCC) offers residential and outreach programs that families with children experiencing homelessness in Hancock County. The organization seeks to break the cycle of homelessness by equipping families with minor children with the skills they need to gain self-sufficiency. Learn more at familiesfirstellsworth.org.

“Thank you to the team at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for believing in FFCC’s mission and the families we serve,” said Shaina Fraser, Executive Director of Families First Community Center. “Your support helps us continue providing meaningful, individualized support to families experiencing homelessness — empowering them with the tools, resources, and community they need to rebuild their lives. Because of gifts like yours, we’re able to give families a hand-up.”

Casual for a Cause participants dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The program participants then vote on which community organizations will receive the funds collected the previous quarter. More than $416,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.

“Casual for a Cause is a fun a way to for employees, and the Bank, to make a powerful statement each quarter: Our communities truly matter to us,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “My colleagues’ ongoing and enthusiastic generosity, and their commitment to giving together, continues to have a positive impact on nonprofit organizations and the people they serve in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.”

New Hampshire recipients are:

o New Hampshire Community Loan Fund

o Upper Valley Haven

Vermont recipients are: 

o Randolph Fish & Game Club

o Vermont Campership Fund