Bangor Savings Bank donates nearly $1.2M in past year to COVID-19 relief efforts

BANGOR — With 2020 certain to be remembered for COVID-19 and social unrest, Bangor Savings Bank focused its charitable giving in precisely those areas and finished its fiscal year with nearly $1.2 million in combined gifts and grants to Maine and New Hampshire organizations that are addressing those critical areas. As the nation continues to grapple with the ramifications of the pandemic, Bangor Savings Bank remains committed to addressing the urgent and ongoing needs brought on by COVID-19 and the country’s deep-rooted history of systemic racism and social inequity, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Among the contributions with local connections are Partners for Peace, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, United Way of Eastern Maine and the Yellow Tulip Project.

“Supporting our communities through corporate giving, grant-making, volunteerism, and creative community partnerships are central to Bangor Savings Bank’s promise,” said Bangor Savings Bank President/CEO Bob Montgomery-Rice. “Throughout the pandemic, our team has worked quickly and passionately to offset its devastating impact by identifying and supporting the organizations providing critical aid to our communities. We also provided aid to organizations working to address racial and social injustice, structural unfairness and economic disparity, all long-standing issues intensified by the historic events that transpired over the past year. We recognize there is more work to be done and remain committed to helping lead meaningful change in the communities we serve.”

The financial grants and gifts were distributed from two different giving sources: The Bangor Savings Bank Foundatio, and the Bangor Savings Bank Corporate Giving Program. The nearly $1.2 million contributed toward COVID-19 relief and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts was just part of the $3.2 million the Bank and its Foundation invested into the community during its fiscal year. Other areas of giving included culture and arts, workforce development, education, and social and civil services.

Over the course of the Bank’s fiscal year 2021, which ended March 31, the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation distributed nearly $500,000 in grants across 29 organizations. Diverse in their geography and initiatives, the selected organizations make education, health, and basic need services accessible to vulnerable communities across New Hampshire and Maine.

Additionally, 64 community nonprofits across the regions received almost $700,000 from the Bank’s Corporate Giving Program, with more than $300,000 dispersed for COVID-19 relief and just under $400,000 to DEI initiatives. Other support included meals the Bank provided for the many frontline workers responsible for supporting and aiding pandemic related efforts throughout Maine and New Hampshire. 

“Every single one of these organizations contribute to the well-being of our communities, and we appreciate all they are doing to help our neighbors during times of great need,” said Montgomery-Rice. “Bangor Savings Bank is honored to further support these organizations that are making a positive difference and we wish them continued success.”

With support from Bangor Savings Bank, these organizations will continue to enrich their communities, developing new avenues of support for those most affected by the turbulence brought on by the pandemic and institutional social and racial disparities.