Priority Giving
The Foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on improving the vitality of Northern New England's regional and statewide economies in Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts. In recognition of the many needs in our communities necessary to advance our mission of creating thriving and vibrant communities, the Foundation will continue to lend support to applications in the following areas:
- Culture and Arts: Initiatives supporting organizations that meet community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, or provide education.
- Economic and Workforce Development: Initiatives that foster and enhance the local workforce and improve the economic well-being of the communities we serve, including programs and projects supporting affordable housing, innovation and technology, and vocational training.
- Education: Initiatives that raise student readiness and support academic success in our communities, including educational activities and comprehensive financial wellness initiatives.
- Health and Wellness: Programs essential to the underlying medical care of a community, including initiatives focusing on physical and mental health and wellness for people of all ages.
- Social and Community Services: Activities directed at improving quality of life in the communities we serve.
January 1st and July 1st Application Deadline
Eligibility for Grants $2,000 – $5,000
- Awards will include support for program development as well as for new and expanded facilities and equipment. The Foundation supports general operating expenses for grants ranging from $2,000 – $5,000.
- Grant awards are generally limited to the region served by Bangor Savings Bank.
- Grant recipients must demonstrate a 501(c)(3) status, a need for private financial support, and a direct relevance to the Foundation's areas of giving interest.
- The Foundation does not provide financial support for political organizations, causes, or candidates; religious organizations or causes; or activities for sectarian purposes.
- The Foundation does not generally support annual endowments, salaries, scholarships, conferences, seminars, festivals, or similar events. Event sponsorships may be considered through the Bank's Corporate Giving program.
The Foundation considers applications for grants ranging from $2,000 up to $25,000. Grant applications submitted for the April 1st and October 1st deadlines may request funding amounts between $5,001-$25,000. For all proposals received, the Foundation has a preference to support projects and initiatives that do the following:
- Include a strategy for leveraging other resources and support.
- Produce cost-effective results which can be measured and evaluated.
- Provide incentives for the private and public sectors to work together in community problem solving.
- Encourage coordination with other efforts and avoid duplication of programs in the community.
- Advance innovative and long-term strategies that will address recognized needs.
- Demonstrate an ability to obtain sustainability, if applicable.
Using the link below, please submit a completed grant application, describing the initiative seeking support. Applications are reviewed bi-annually and must be received before July 1 or January 1 for consideration. Prior applicants may reapply one year from the date of prior submission. Decisions on funding are generally announced within 45 days of each application deadline.
Apply Now
April 1st and October 1st Application Deadline
Eligibility for Grants $5,001 – $25,000
- Awards will include support for program development as well as for new and expanded facilities and equipment.
- Grant awards are generally limited to the region served by Bangor Savings Bank.
- Grant recipients must demonstrate a 501(c)(3) status, a need for private financial support, and a direct relevance to the Foundation's areas of giving interest.
- The Foundation does not provide financial support for political organizations, causes, or candidates; religious organizations or causes; or activities for sectarian purposes.
- The Foundation does not generally support annual operating budgets, salaries, endowments, scholarships, conferences, seminars, festivals, or similar events. Event sponsorships may be considered through the Bank's Corporate Giving program.
The Foundation considers applications for grants ranging from $2,000 up to $25,000. Grant applications submitted for the April 1st and October 1st deadlines may request funding amounts between $5,001-$25,000. For all proposals received, the Foundation has a preference to support projects and initiatives that do the following:
- Include a strategy for leveraging other resources and support.
- Produce cost-effective results which can be measured and evaluated.
- Provide incentives for the private and public sectors to work together in community problem solving.
- Encourage coordination with other efforts and avoid duplication of programs in the community.
- Advance innovative and long-term strategies that will address recognized needs.
- Demonstrate an ability to obtain sustainability, if applicable.
Using the link below, please submit a completed grant application, describing the initiative seeking support. Applications are reviewed bi-annually and must be received before April 1 or October 1 for consideration. Prior applicants may reapply one year from the date of prior submission. Decisions on funding are generally announced within 75 days of each application deadline.
Apply Now
