The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation

January 1^st and July 1^st 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 1^st and October 1^st 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

What are your Foundation grant programs and deadlines? When will funding decisions be communicated?

The Foundation offers two grant programs, each with their own application deadlines:

• $2,000 - $5,000 Grant Program
  • Applications are reviewed semi-annually and must be received before January 1 or July 1 for consideration.
  • Decisions on funding are generally shared within 45 days of each application deadline. Emailed communications will be received by each applicant whether the application was accepted or denied.
• $5,001 - $25,000 Grant Program
  • Applications are reviewed semi-annually and must be received before April 1 or October 1 for consideration.
  • Decisions on funding are generally shared within 75 days of each application deadline. Emailed communications will be received by each applicant whether the application was accepted or denied.

Can I apply to both Foundation programs, the $2,000 - $5,000 and the $5,001 - $25,000?

Applicants may only apply once per year, choosing either a $2,000-$5,000 or $5,001- $25,000 grant. After submitting an application, regardless of whether the application was accepted or denied, applicants must wait one year before applying again.

What communities does The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation support?

The Foundation serves communities and projects focused on Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

What are the Foundation’s priority areas of giving?

Please visit the Areas of Giving tab to learn more about the Foundation’s priority areas of giving.

What kind of support does your Foundation provide?

Please refer to the Grant Guidelines for each grant programs to learn more about the kinds of support available.

Does your Foundation provide general operating support?

Yes. Applications for general operating support are considered for the $2,000 - $5,000 grant program.

Does the Foundation provide general donations, sponsorships, or advertising support?

The Foundation does not generally support endowments, salaries, scholarships, conferences, seminars, festivals, or advertising support. Event sponsorships are reviewed through the Bangor Savings Bank Corporate Giving Program. Please visit the Bangor Savings Bank Corporate Giving Program to learn more.

Can I submit a grant application early?

Yes, your organization may apply early. However, applications will be held and reviewed during the grant cycle that corresponds with the amount applied for and corresponding deadline.

My organization is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit but has a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)(3). Can I still apply?

Yes. Applicants may apply using a fiscal agent, but they must demonstrate that they are a 501© (3) nonprofit. Our Foundation team is available to provide additional guidance. Please email us at Foundation@bangor.com.

Can I review a list of grants previously awarded? 

Yes. Visit the News section of our website to view recent press releases about awarded grants.

Can I apply to both The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and the Corporate Giving program at the same time?

Yes. These are separate programs, each with their own focus and approach to charitable giving. Please visit the Foundation and Corporate Giving program pages for more information on these programs. If you have questions about which program best fits your request, please reach out to CommunityRelations@bangor.com.

I forgot my username and/or password to the Foundation portal. How do I reset it?

Your username is the email address used to complete the application. You can reset your password by clicking the Foundation Grant Portal Login button and selecting “Forgot Password”. You will receive an automated email from our Foundation with further instructions.

Can edits or additional information be added to my grant application after submission?

Yes. Please email Foundation@bangor.com for assistance with post-submission application updates.

I completed the eligibility questionnaire and I’m receiving a message that my organization is ineligible to apply. Can you provide me with additional guidance?

Please email Foundation@bangor.com and our team will provide further guidance.

My organization received a grant, but I am unable to access the Outcomes Report in the Foundation portal.

Please email Foundation@bangor.com and our team will provide you with additional support.

For questions about the Foundation or help with the online grant application, email us at Foundation@bangor.com.