Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making program provides funding between $2,000 and $25,000 to support initiatives that enhance community vitality in Northern New England. The foundation prioritizes projects that leverage additional resources, produce measurable results, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors. Quarterly and bi-annual reviews ensure timely consideration of applications. With a commitment to improving workforce and economic development, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and civic services.

NOTE:
For Grants $2,000–$5,000Applications are reviewed bi-annually and must be received before July 1 or January 1 for consideration.Eligibility for Grants $5,001–$25,000Applications are reviewed bi-annually and must be received before April 1 or October 1 for consideration.
We contribute to the strength and health of our communities through the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and Corporate Giving. Together the Bank and its Foundation invested more than $2 million into the community in the form of nonprofit sponsorships, grants and partnership initiatives last year.
Making a significant and meaningful difference:
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation's role is to focus philanthropic efforts on initiatives that will make our communities more prosperous, more livable, and more vibrant. With a growing endowment and strong support from the Bank, the Foundation is poised to truly impact its focus areas in workforce and economic development.
Grant Guidelines
The Foundation considers applications for grants ranging from $2,000 up to $25,000. For all proposals received, we have 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 incentive for the private and public sectors to work together in community problem solving.Encourage coordination with other efforts and do not duplicate programs in the community.Advance innovative and long-term strategies that will address recognized needs.Demonstrate an ability to obtain future funding if it will be needed.
Priority Giving
The Foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on improving the vitality of Northern New England's regional and statewide economies through economic and workforce development in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Additional Areas of Giving
While our primary outreach and resources will be dedicated to the priority areas listed above, in recognition of the many needs in our communities, the Foundation will continue to lend support to applications in the following areas:
EducationInitiatives that raise student readiness, academic success, achievement and aspirations at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels, including but not limited to STEM education initiatives.  Social and Civic ServicesActivities directed at improving quality of life in the communities we serve.Culture and ArtsInitiatives supporting organizations that meet community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, or provide education.Health and WellnessPrograms essential to the underlying medical care of a community, including initiatives focusing on physical and mental health and wellness for people of all ages.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Grants $2,000–$5,000Awards will include support for program development as well as for new and expanded facilities and equipment.Grant awards are generally limited to the market area served by Bangor Savings Bank.Grant recipients must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status, a need for private financial support, and a direct relevance to the Foundation's areas of giving interest.The Foundation supports general operating expenses for grants ranging from $2,000–$5,000.Eligibility for Grants $5,001–$25,000Awards will include support for program development as well as for new and expanded facilities and equipment.Grant awards are generally limited to the market area served by Bangor Savings Bank.Grant recipients must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status, a need for private financial support, and a direct relevance to the Foundation's areas of giving interest.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not provide financial support for political organizations or candidates, religious organizations, or activities for sectarian purposes.The Foundation does not generally support annual operating budgets, endowments, scholarships, conferences, seminars, festivals, or similar events, although such events may be considered through the Bank's Corporate Giving program.