The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Awards Grants to 44 Maine and New Hampshire Nonprofits Chosen by Community Members

Published on : 4/11/2023

Bangor, ME (April 11, 2023): Community members throughout Maine and New Hampshire voted for 44 nonprofit organizations to receive more than $140,000 in grants from The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s Community Matters More program. Using an online ballot, residents voted for various nonprofits they see positively impacting their communities through vital programs, including fuel assistance, animal welfare, housing, environmental protection, performing arts, refugee support, and many more.

Nonprofits with the most community votes in each geographical region will receive $5,000, with runners-up receiving grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.

The Community Energy Fund (CEF) of Lincoln County, Maine, was awarded a $5,000 Community Matters More grant this year. The community values the CEF for providing fuel assistance to families not qualifying for state or federal heating assistance programs. The CEF works with Lincoln County towns to identify families in need and covers the costs of fuel deliveries and heating system repairs. This important nonprofit organization also aids families experiencing emergencies that have a significant financial impact. Since 2005, the CEF has assisted 4,434 families and disbursed over $2.1 million in relief to those in need.

“Maine and New Hampshire communities are vibrant and resourceful, which shows in their support of the organizations they see making a positive impact,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “We’re proud to enable thousands of residents to have a voice in where grants are given, and community members are passionate about advocating for the organizations that are important to them. This is their opportunity to give back.”

The 2023 Community Matters More grant recipients are:

Maine

Androscoggin/Franklin/Oxford Counties
Misfits Rehab Animal Rescue ($5000) / Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services ($4,000) / Inland Woods + Trails ($3,000) / Greater Androscoggin Humane Society ($1,000 write-in winner)

Aroostook/Northern Penobscot/Piscataquis Counties
Highlands Search and Rescue ($5,000) / Breaking the Cycle ($4,000) / Boreal Theater ($3,000) / Moosehead Marine Museum ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Cumberland County
Midcoast Humane ($5,000) / Dempsey Center ($4,000) / Special Olympics Maine ($3,000) / Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Hancock/Washington Counties
Birdsacre Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary ($5,000) / Healthy Acadia ($4,000) / Downeast Coastal Conservancy ($3,000) / Ark Animal Shelter ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Kennebec/Somerset Counties
Spirits Place Cat Shelter ($5,000) / The Waterville Area Soup Kitchen ($4,000) / Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault ($3,000) / Somerset Humane Society ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Knox/Lincoln/Sagadahoc/Waldo Counties
The Community Energy Fund of Lincoln County ($5,000) / Inn Along the Way ($4,000) / Central Lincoln County YMCA ($3,000) / Jackson Food Pantry ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Southern Penobscot County
Penquis Community Action Program ($5,000) / Bangor Area Recovery Network ($4,000) / Good Samaritan Agency ($3,000) / Bangor Humane Society ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
York County
Pittie Posse Rescue Sanctuary ($5,000) / Ogunquit Playhouse ($4,000) / Heart of Biddeford ($3,000) / Special Surfers ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
New Hampshire
 
Coos/Carroll/Grafton Counties
Northern Human Services ($5,000) / 45th Parallel Emergency Medical Services ($4,000) / Two Rivers Ride for Cancer ($3,000) / Conway Area Humane Society ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Belknap/Cheshire/Hillsborough/Merrimack/Sullivan Counties
For the Love of Dog NH ($5,000) / Overcomers Refugee Services ($4,000) / Fellowship Housing Opportunities ($3,000) / League of New Hampshire Craftsmen ($1,000 write-in winner)
 
Rockingham/Strafford Counties
Haven NH ($5,000) / End 68 Hours of Hunger NH ($4,000) / 3S Artspace ($3,000) / Our Place NH ($1,000 write-in winner)