Published on : 7/8/2025
Bangor, ME: The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has awarded $157,089 in grants to 15 nonprofit organizations across Northern New England. These grant awards reflect the Foundation’s continued commitment to building vibrant, resilient communities throughout the region. From expanding access to essential services to fostering important community wellness needs, the spring cycle recipients represent a diverse array of impactful programs and initiatives making a difference in the lives of Northern New Englanders.
“These organizations are leading extraordinary work—expanding access to childcare, addressing food insecurity, and opening doors to educational resources,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “We are proud that our Foundation is providing meaningful resources that will help amplify the mission of these non-profits and strengthen our communities.”
The grants fund an array of initiatives, including the expansion of early childhood education, food access, economic opportunity, and health and wellness services, many of which are focused on underserved and rural populations.
“The construction of our new facility is about more than childcare—it's about wrapping our arms around families and surrounding them with opportunities to thrive and succeed,” said Carin Sychterz of Penquis C.A.P., Inc., which was awarded a $250,000 multi-year grant ($50,000 over five years) to build a new child development center in Bangor. The facility will expand access to affordable childcare and integrate job placement, healthcare, and educational support to help families in the surrounding area.
In Dover-Foxcroft, ME, the Piscataquis Area Community Center received a $12,500 grant to purchase essential equipment and supplies for its newly reopened facility. Funds will enhance its aquatics program and convert an underused racquetball court into a plyometrics gym. The revitalized facility has become a hub for inclusive wellness programming and community connection.
Grants were also awarded to:
$5,500
Belfast Soup Kitchen
Belfast, Waldo County, ME
Belfast Soup Kitchen is the only full-time soup kitchen and pantry in Waldo County, providing nutritious meals and a welcoming space to individuals and families facing food insecurity. This grant will support the expansion of the Kindness Community Market, improving access to fresh, local food and upgrading facilities to meet growing community demand.
$6,000
YMCA of Greater Nashua
Nashua, Hillsborough County, NH
The YMCA of Greater Nashua fosters personal growth and lifelong wellness through programs in education, fitness, and youth development. This grant will enable low-income students to attend the 2025 Power Scholars Academy, a five-week summer program offering academic support and enrichment.
Additional Grant Recipients Include:
American Legion Department of Maine Foundation | $5,500
Winslow, Kennebec County, ME
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine | $10,000
Portland, Cumberland County, ME
Canaan Naturally Connected, Inc. | $7,500
Canaan, Essex County, VT
Fork Food Lab | $7,500
South Portland, Cumberland County, ME
Gather | $7,500
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, NH
Greater Seacoast Community Health | $6,589
Somersworth, Rockingham County, NH
Hearty Roots | $7,500
Damariscotta, Lincoln County, ME
Oasis Free Clinics | $5,500
Brunswick, Cumberland County, ME
Quoddy Tides Foundation | $7,500
Eastport, Washington County, ME
Sarah’s House of Maine | $25,000 ($12,500 over 2 years)
Holden, Statewide, ME
Shalom House | $5,500
Portland, Cumberland County, ME
To learn more about the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and its commitment to strengthening communities across Northern New England, click here.
About Bangor Savings Bank
Bangor Savings Bank, with over $7 billion in assets, offers retail banking, business and comprehensive commercial banking, payment and corporate services, HR and payroll technologies, and merchant solutions. Wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are offered through Bangor Wealth Management, a division of Bangor Savings Bank, and Bangor Wealth Management of New Hampshire, LLC, a New Hampshire trust company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bangor Savings Bank. Investment information can be found at bangor.com/investments.
Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, the Bank was founded in 1852 and is in its 173rd year, and currently has 70 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 invested more than $3.6 million into the region through sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal-opportunity employer. To learn more, please visit us at bangor.com. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Fish | Bangor Savings Bank
Jaclyn.Fish@bangor.com