Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Awards More Than $600,000 to Nonprofits Throughout Maine, New Hampshire

Published on : 6/21/2022

Bangor, ME: Furthering its commitment to supporting nonprofit partners throughout Maine and New Hampshire, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 to organizations across both states. Grant funding will contribute to the strength of our economy and communities by supporting initiatives dedicated to making the region more prosperous, livable, and vibrant.  

Grant recipients are nonprofit organizations committed to improving life in northern New England, including those focused on providing services to refugees and immigrants, mental health resources and entrepreneurial studies for disadvantaged youth. As part of the Foundation’s latest grant cycle, 19 nonprofits will receive grants, with $200,500 being awarded this year and an additional $412,500 being distributed as multi-year grants for a total of $613,000 in grants funded.

“Supporting the hard work and purpose-oriented goals of our area nonprofits is an important step to bringing us closer together and strengthening our communities,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “Whether investing in our future through our area youth, supporting our refugee and immigrant community members, or lifting up our neighbors by providing resources and awareness about mental health, these organizations work tirelessly to improve life for us all.”

The following grant recipients are among the many examples of the very important work taking place in our region:

$250,000
($50,000 annually for five years)
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters
Portland, Maine (Statewide Impact)
 
Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters is a nonprofit made up of people who are committed to working alongside the National Park Service to help protect, preserve, and promote Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. This multi-year grant goes towards infrastructure and education projects to elevate the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and provide a powerful introduction to the history, culture, and ecology of Katahdin Woods & Waters.
 
$250,000
($50,000 annually for five years)
Maine Public
Lewiston, Maine (Statewide Impact)
 
Maine’s premiere, independent public media resource, Maine Public is recognized throughout the state and beyond for focusing on issues important to Maine citizens and relentlessly pursuing the truth. This multi-year grant will help support the construction of a modern broadcasting facility, including a newsroom and community collaboration space in Portland.
 
$25,000
($12,500 annually for two years)
Raye’s Mustard Mill Museum
Eastport, Washington County, Maine
 
Raye’s Mustard Mill is a working museum in the island community of Eastport, Maine. Raye’s is the last remaining traditional stone ground mustard mill in North America. Grant money will support the museum’s restoration project, which includes a new museum building, preservation of vintage machinery and opportunities for enhanced tourism experiences.
 
$5,500
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
Farmington, Franklin County, Maine
 
The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies works to create a wide-reaching support system for workforce development and creative thinking, with the belief that an entrepreneurial mindset allows for a growing and prosperous community. Grant funds will help purchase equipment for disadvantaged youth, including computers, 3D printers, laser cutters and more to develop and launch businesses and careers.
 
$5,500
Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success
Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
 
The Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success serves new Americans that have completed the refugee resettlement program and are in need of continued assistance as they strive to learn English, find employment, understand the American healthcare and banking systems and more. Funds will help support the Healthy Corner Stores program, which will bring fresh, local foods to stores in low-income communities to promote neighborhood health and provide a new revenue source for local stores.
 
$5,500
Seacoast Mental Health Center
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
 
Seacoast Mental Health Center provides high quality and accessible mental health and substance use disorder services for all ages and stages of need. Grants will support the implementation of an updated Electronic Health Record system to develop better workflows that capture the necessary and complex data elements needed in today’s mental healthcare climate.

$5,500
Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center
Biddeford, York County, Maine
 
Seeds of Hope partners with local communities and neighbors to find solutions to poverty and promote personal growth. The center is a place for people to see friends, share a meal, seek help in finding employment and access a variety of resources. Grant money will help install a handicap accessible shower and the addition of laundry machines for those experiencing homelessness.
 
Additional Recipients:
YMCA of Auburn-Lewiston | $5,500
Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine
 
City of Bangor (Bangor Public Health and Community Services Department) | $5,500
Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine
 
Full Plates Full Potential | $5,500
Brunswick, Cumberland County, Maine
 
Tide’s Institute & Museum of Art | $5,500
Eastport, Washington County, Maine
 
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry | $5,500
Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine
 
Camp Susan Curtis | $5,500
Portland, Maine (Statewide Impact)
 
Portland Museum of Art | $5,500
Portland, Maine (Statewide Impact)
 
Mid-Coast Health Net Inc. | $5,500
Rockland, Knox County, Maine
 
Cohos Historical Society | $5,500
Stratford, Coos County, New Hampshire
 
Common Threads of Maine | $5,500
Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine
 
NAMI New Hampshire | $5,500
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
 
Dover Children’s Home | $5,500
Dover, Strafford County, New Hampshire