LifeFlight of Maine and two Waldo County nonprofits are among 30 nonprofit organizations across Northern New England sharing $262,500 in Bangor Savings Bank Foundation grants. 

These grants reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that help communities thrive and respond to the needs of people across the region. This quarter’s grant recipients represent a diverse range of programs and initiatives that address everyday challenges, create opportunities, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout the region. 

Among them are Belfast Historical Society and Museum, receiving $10,000, and Friends of Lake Winnecook, in Unity, receiving $5,500. LifeFlight Foundation is receiving $25,000.

“Every day, people across our communities rely on nonprofits for support that makes a real difference in their lives,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, in a news release. “Across Northern New England, that work reflects a wide range of needs–from helping families stay warm and putting food on the table to building financial confidence and expanding access to care. Strengthening these efforts helps more people find stability today, while supporting the long-term vitality of our region.”

Grant recipients include:

$6,000
Birchtree
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, NH
Birchtree promotes inclusion, independence, and holistic growth for individuals with autism and other diverse abilities. Through individualized education and therapy tailored to each student, Birchtree helps build academic, vocational, and life skills that extend beyond the classroom. This grant will support facility and technology upgrades at the day school, including refrigerators for the student lunchroom and school store, as well as laptops and updated curriculum materials to enhance learning.

$5,500
Downeast Wood Bank
Surry, Hancock County, ME
The Downeast Wood Bank is an all-volunteer organization committed to addressing heating insecurity by providing free, seasoned firewood to households in need. Serving communities across the Blue Hill Peninsula and surrounding areas, the organization ensures families have access to safe, reliable heat throughout Maine’s winters. Grant funding will help construct a new storage shed, expanding the organization’s capacity to process and distribute firewood to more households facing financial and fuel challenges.

$25,000
LifeFlight Foundation
Statewide, ME
The LifeFlight Foundation advances LifeFlight of Maine’s mission to deliver critical care and medical transport to patients statewide, regardless of location. Providing ICU-level care by helicopter, airplane, and ground ambulance, LifeFlight ensures rapid response for individuals experiencing serious illness or injury, particularly in rural and remote communities. Grant funding will help secure a second medically equipped airplane, broadening access to lifesaving transport and reinforcing Maine’s emergency care network.

$10,000
Orono Public Library Foundation
Orono, Penobscot County, ME
The Orono Public Library Foundation strengthens the community by supporting the library as a central hub for learning, connection, and civic life. Serving residents of all ages, the library provides essential programs, resources, and gathering space for the community. This grant will advance the Achieving the Vision campaign, helping expand the facility to accommodate growing demand and create more space for educational programs, community activities, and public engagement.

Grants were also awarded to:

Augusta Colonial Theater | $5,500
Augusta, Kennebec County, ME

Bar Harbor Food Pantry | $5,500
Bar Harbor, Hancock County, ME

Belfast Historical Society and Museum | $10,000
Belfast, Waldo County, ME

Best Buddies in Maine | $5,500
Cumberland, Cumberland County, ME

Disability Rights Maine | $7,500
Augusta, Statewide, ME

Ferry Beach Park Association | $12,000
Saco, York County, ME

Friends in Action | $5,500
Ellsworth, Hancock County, ME

Friends of Lake Winnecook | $5,500
Unity, Waldo County, ME

Friends of Veterans' Memorial Library | $7,500
Patten, Aroostook County, ME

Greater Portland Health | $5,500
South Portland, Cumberland County, ME

Harbor Homes, Inc. | $5,500
Nashua, Hillsborough County, NH

Hearty Roots | $10,000
Damariscotta, Lincoln County, ME

Junior Achievement of Maine | $15,000
Portland, Statewide, ME

Kennebec Behavioral Health | $7,500
Waterville, Kennebec County, ME

Lewiston Public Library | $16,000
Lewiston, Androscoggin County, ME

Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers | $7,500
Waterville, Kennebec County, ME

Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets | $7,500
Freeport, Cumberland County, ME

NH Small Business Development Center | $5,500
Durham, Statewide, NH

Piscataquis Area Community Center | $15,000
Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, ME

Seacoast Eat Local | $8,000
Lee, Strafford County, NH

The Maine Community Relief Program | $6,000
Bangor, Penobscot County, ME

Turner Public Library | $7,000
Turner, Androscoggin County, ME

Veggies to Table | $5,500
Newcastle, Lincoln County, ME

Wellspring | $10,000
Bangor, Penobscot County, ME

YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston | $10,000
Auburn, Androscoggin County, ME

YMCA Central Maine | $10,000
Lewiston, Androscoggin County, ME

Bangor Savings Bank, with over $7 billion in assets, offers retail banking, business and comprehensive commercial banking, payment and corporate services, HR and payroll technologies, and merchant solutions. Wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are offered through Bangor Wealth Management, a division of Bangor Savings Bank, and Bangor Wealth Management of New Hampshire, LLC, a New Hampshire trust company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bangor Savings Bank. Investment information can be found at bangor.com/investments.

Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, the Bank was founded in 1852 and is in its 174th year, and currently has 69 branches in Maine and New Hampshire and business and/or loan production offices in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Bangor Savings Bank and The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation invested more than $3 million into the region through sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal-opportunity employer. To learn more, please visit us at bangor.com. Member FDIC |  Equal Housing Lender.