Bangor Savings Bank Foundation awards 23 Northern New England nonprofits grants to strengthen community impact

Published on : 7/13/2023

Bangor, ME (July 13, 2023): The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation granted $195,000 to 23 nonprofit organizations in Northern New England that are uplifting their communities. The Foundation selects grant applicants committed to enhancing local education, social and civic services, culture and arts, economic and workforce development, and health and wellness, strengthening the overall vitality of the region.
 
The current grant awardees provide an array of services and programs that contribute to resilient Maine and New Hampshire communities. Their impactful efforts encompass areas from providing housing assistance to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness to expanding financial literacy education for low-income students.

"Northern New England communities are closely connected with deep roots, and we are committed to doing our part to continue strengthening them," said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. "The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation helps empower nonprofit organizations to expand their significant work through these grant funds. Each recipient inspires us with their dedication to further the well-being of our communities.”

One recipient is Northern Light Acadia Hospital in Bangor, Maine, which was awarded $200,000 ($40,000 over five years). The hospital is a psychiatric healthcare facility that serves Maine residents. The grant will help expand mental healthcare services through the construction of a 50-bed pediatric inpatient facility which will greatly improve access to behavioral health and wellness resources and care for people in need.
 
"This generous funding allows us to enhance our programs and provide vital support to even more of those in need of behavioral health services,” said John Campell, MD, FANPA, interim president of Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to make a difference and remain dedicated to our mission of empowering people to improve their lives."

These are the additional grant recipients:
 
$7,500
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
 
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire works to visibly honor and share a truer, more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development, and tours. The grant will support program expansion to K-12 schools, partnerships with afterschool and summer programs, and new educational tours for middle school students launching in 2024.
 
$5,500
Community Housing Improvement Project (CHIP, Inc.)
Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine
 
CHIP assists low-income and rural disadvantaged residents, seniors, and others who lack resources by improving their housing. The grant will help provide home repairs including weatherproofing, replacement of windows, doors and roofs, handicap access ramps, and electrical and plumbing repairs to homeowners facing illness, disability, or financial need in Central and Eastern Lincoln County, Maine.
 
$10,000
Fair Tide
Kittery, York County, Maine
 
Fair Tide helps find permanent housing for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness in Kittery, Maine. The grant will support the development of Mainspring, a resource hub of social services to provide food and housing needs, with building renovations for easy access to services in one facility.
 
$10,000
Junior Achievement of Maine
Portland, Maine (Statewide)
 
Junior Achievement of Maine empowers today's youth to succeed through K-12 programming, including work and career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The grant will help deliver financial literacy education, career exploration, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship training to more than 1,000 low-income students from Kittery to Fort Kent, Maine with age-appropriate curricula and allow at-risk children to succeed.
 
Additional Recipients:
 
Animal Welfare Society | $5,500
West Kennebunk, Maine (Statewide)
 
Bangor Greendrinks | $5,500
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
Bar Harbor Historical Society | $5,500
Bar Harbor, Hancock County, Maine
 
Black Owned Maine (Fiscal Agent: Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition) | $10,000
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
 
Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation | $6,500
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
 
Boots2Roots | $5,500
Portland, Maine (Statewide)
 
Camp CaPella | $7,500
Holden, Maine (Statewide)
 
Christine B. Foundation, Inc. | $10,000
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust | $5,500
Damariscotta, Lincoln County, Maine
 
Dempsey Center | $7,500
Portland, Maine (Statewide)
 
Heart of Maine Resource Center | $7,500
Dexter, Penobscot County, Maine
 
In Her Presence | $7,500
Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine
 
Lincoln County Television | $10,000
Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine
 
Maine MILL | $5,500
Lewiston, Androscoggin County, Maine
 
Maine Needs | $5,500
Portland, Maine (Statewide)
 
Orono Economic Development Corporation (Fiscal Agent: Penobscot Valley Ski Club) | $5,500
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
Thompson Free Library | $5,500
Dover-Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Maine
 
Veggies to Table | $6,000
Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine