KNOX COUNTY — “The awardees are comprised of 22 incredible organizations in the region doing meaningful work for the betterment of their community and the individuals living in it,” said Bangor Savings Bank, in a news release.

Among them are Merryspring, Inc. and Trekkers, Inc., which have received funding to support their environmental education programs and the Launching Empowered and Aspiring Professionals (LEAP) program for youth mentoring, respectively. 

Continuing its commitment supporting initiatives that make its communities more prosperous and vibrant across the region, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has awarded $88,590 to 22 organizations in Maine and New Hampshire. The grant funds awarded to these nonprofits will contribute to a variety of programs and efforts important to furthering their work. The missions and goals of these nonprofit partners positively impact the well-being of the community by helping to improve the life of those around them, making northern New England an even better place to live.

These grant recipients are among many nonprofits engaged in community-oriented work, such as social and civil service, healthcare, economic and workforce development, and education, all critical to improving the lives of others. Examples to their efforts include access to affordable housing, Veteran support, mental health and patient care, resources for financial literacy education, and STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programming for students.

“These nonprofits are truly appreciated for their tireless work in fostering the livelihoods of those throughout our region,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “Whether it’s through healthcare, food security, environmental sustainability, and so much more, we are proud to support their important missions which help create a brighter future.”   

The following grant recipients are just a few that highlight the outstanding work being done throughout Maine and New Hampshire for the betterment of its communities:

$5,000

Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic

Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine

The Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic is comprised of volunteer healthcare providers caring for patients and a small office staff overseeing clinic operations, with the mission of providing free, high quality primary care to those without insurance or who find themselves inadequately insured, and to do so with compassion and respect. The funding provided by this grant will help give operating support to allow the clinic to continue offering primary healthcare to uninsured community members and support direct patient care.

$5,000

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Portland, Maine (Statewide Impact)

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute is an organization dedicated to preserving the resilience of the Gulf’s ecosystem and communities that depend on it. Since its founding in 1968, the Institute has sought to provide world class ocean research, cutting-edge science education, and community support. The funding provided by this grant will help sustain improvements to program software and hardware allowing for the continued expansion and elevation of LabVenture, an immersive STEM experience for students through the 2022-23 school year.

$2,000

NH Jump$tart Coalition

Hillsboro, Merrimack County, New Hampshire

NH Jump$tart Coalition is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the personal financial education of students in the state. It is made up of a corps of volunteers helping young people better prepare for the challenges created by today’s complex economic marketplace. The funding provided by this grant will support the “I Can Save” program and give financial literacy classes to second grade elementary school children throughout the state, seeking to encourage them to begin saving habits at an early age that can continue into adulthood.

$2,000

Vouchers for Veterans

Rochester, Strafford County, New Hampshire

Vouchers for Veterans is a volunteer-driven organization that provides Veterans living in the region with vouchers to buy fresh food directly from local sources, thereby also supporting local growers in the process. To date they’ve provided over 7,000 meals to Veterans since 2016. The funding provided by this grant will help supply food vouchers to Maine and New Hampshire veterans in need, and support vouchers for Veterans as they expand their services to the Kennebunk Farmers Market.

Additional Recipients:

Maine Woodland Owners | $2,000

Augusta, Maine (Statewide Impact)

Challenger Learning Center of Maine | $2,500

Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine

College Guild | $5,000

Brunswick, Maine (Statewide Impact)

Merryspring, Inc. | $5,000

Camden, Knox County, Maine

Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake, Inc. | $2,500

Casco, Cumberland County, Maine

Eastport Arts Center | $5,000

Eastport, Washington County, Maine

Downeast Adaptive Youth Recreation, Inc. | $5,000

Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine

Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry | $5,000

Jefferson, Lincoln County, Maine

The Northern Lighthouse, Inc. | $5,000

Mars Hill, Aroostook County, Maine

Continuum Arts Collective | $5,000

North Berwick, York County, Maine

Bakery Photographic Collective | $2,500

Portland, Cumberland County, Maine

Locker Project | $5,000

Portland, Cumberland County, Maine

Trekkers, Inc. | $5,000

Rockland, Knox County, Maine

Furniture Friends | $5,000

Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine

Winthrop Maine Historical Society | $2,590

Winthrop, Kennebec County, Maine

Mayhew Program | $4,500

Bristol, Grafton County, New Hampshire

Friends of Aine Foundation | $3,000

Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire

The Birchtree Center | $5,000

Newington, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

About Bangor Savings Bank

Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $7 billion in assets, offers retail banking to consumers as well as comprehensive commercial, corporate, payroll administration, merchant services, and small business banking services to businesses. The Bank, founded in 1852, is in its 170th year with more than 65 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 have invested more than $3.4 million into the community in the form of sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal opportunity employer and can be found on the Web at www.bangor.com. Member FDIC |        Equal Housing Lender.