Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Awards $119,900 to Nonprofit Organizations in Maine and New Hampshire

Bangor, ME: Committed to supporting initiatives that will help make our communities more prosperous, more livable, and more vibrant, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has awarded $119,900 to 26 Maine and New Hampshire-based nonprofits. These organizations are devoted to enhancing the well-being of their communities through the work they are achieving. Among those services provided by these grantees include career support, healthcare access, senior care, youth restorative initiatives, arts and culture, environmental protection, and more.

“These organizations are making a difference by improving the quality of life for the citizens in these regions,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “It is through their continuous efforts toward economic vitality, individual well-being, and more that will help our communities thrive.”

Grants awarded by the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation focus on helping communities throughout Maine and New Hampshire to prosper by providing vital access to resources, education, and societal programming. The awards during this round of giving ranged from $2000 - $5000.

The following grant recipients showcase the breadth of important work being accomplished throughout the region:

$2,000
Auburn Public Library
Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine
The Auburn Public Library is dedicated to the promotion of lifelong learning, personal and professional enrichment, and a love of reading. The Board of Trustees and Library staff strive to ensure free, equal, and confidential access to all collections and informational services, a friendly environment as a community gathering place, to maintain the library building, and to anticipate and prepare for evolving engagement of the Auburn community.
 
$5,000
Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
The Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center serves as a hub of collaboration that strengthens the immigrant community through language acquisition, economic integration, and civic engagement. They carry out this mission through a variety of programs including the Immigrant Business Hub for empowering entrepreneurs, iEnglish Project, a digital language lab, and the Citizenship & Civic Engagement Initiative.
 
$5,000
New Hampshire Audubon
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
New Hampshire Audubon’s mission is to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. They envision a world where people lead happier and healthier lives by connecting with nature and finding inspiration to conserve and enjoy the environment they love. Through their lands and programs, New Hampshire Audubon provides education programs throughout the state, statewide conservation research and wildlife monitoring, protection of nearly 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat in 39 sanctuaries, and environmental public policy and science-based advocacy.
 
$5,000
Rebuilding Together – Lincoln County (RTLC)
Boothbay Harbor, Lincoln County, Maine
Rebuilding Together – Lincoln Country was formed by a group of local citizens in 2002 with the mission of providing low-income homeowners and renters with necessary home repairs and disability-related updates. Each year they participate in a National Rebuilding Together Day in which volunteers come together to work on designated homes selected to receive RTLC services. They also perform urgent repairs to assist with home needs during the colder months. Thus far, RTLC has completed over 340 individual home repair projects in Lincoln County.
 
$5,000
Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital Association
Colebrook, Coos County, New Hampshire
The Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital Association strives to improve the well-being of the rural communities they serve by promoting health and ensuring access to quality care. They provide a variety of services including care management, community outreach, emergency services, nutrition services, and rehabilitation services.
 
Additional Recipients:
Animal Welfare Society | $5,000
West Kennebunk, York County, Maine
 
Aspire Living & Learning, Inc. | $5,000
Rockingham & Strafford Counties, New Hampshire
 
Buck Memorial Library | $5,000
Bucksport, Hancock County, Maine
 
The Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness | $5,000
Portland, Maine (With a Statewide Impact)
 
Cultivating Community | $2,500
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
 
Friends of Congress Square Park | $5,000
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
 
The Grand (Hancock County Auditorium Associates) | $3,000
Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine
 
LA Arts | $5,000
Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine
 
Lakes Region Senior Center | $2,400
Gorham, Cumberland County, Maine
 
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor | $5,000
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
Maine Youth Court (Fiscal Agent: Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast) | $5,000
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
 
MCH, Inc. | $5,000
Rockland, Knox County, Maine
 
Milford Lions Charities | $5,000
Milford, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
 
New Hampshire Theatre Project | $5,000
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, Maine
 
Penquis C.A.P., Inc. | $5,000
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
The PLUS Company, Inc. | $5,000
Nashua, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
 
The Purple Iris Foundation | $5,000
Brewer, Penobscot County, Maine
 
State YMCA of Maine | $5,000
Winthrop, Kennebec County, Maine
 
Trinity Jubilee Center, Inc. | $5,000
Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine
 
Veggies to Table | $5,000
Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine
 
Watershed School | $5,000
Camden, Knox County, Maine