Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
GETTING READY — Bangor Savings Bank is once again conducting its “Community Matters More” contest. Going over the ballot are from left, Chris Nickerson, vice president, regional marketing manager; Lori Weston, relationship manager; and Don Collins, treasurer of Vital Pathways.
HOULTON — Bangor Savings Bank Foundation began its annual grant-making initiative, “Community Matters More,” on Feb. 1. Through this charitable program, Maine’s largest independent bank offers all Maine residents the opportunity to weigh in on how best to allocate $100,000 the bank has pledged to give to 68 Maine nonprofit organizations across the state.
The voting period takes place during the month of February – beginning Sunday, Feb. 1 and ending Saturday, Feb. 28, with winners announced in April.
It is easy to vote online at www.bangor.com/cmm. Paper ballots are also available at any of the 56 Bangor Savings Bank branches statewide, and at each of the participating nonprofits. In 2014, more than 86,000 Mainers cast votes for their favorite nonprofits.
Since its inception, Community Matters More has provided nearly $700,000 in total grants to hundreds of Maine nonprofits. “We launched Community Matters More in 2007 as a way to support nonprofit organizations in Maine based on input from the general public. The enthusiastic participation of Maine residents who are passionate about their favorite nonprofits and who understand the importance of supporting communities is what makes this effort so successful,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, president of Bangor Savings Bank.
Each of the 48 nonprofits listed on the ballot will receive at least a $1,000 grant for participating in the program, and the top 20 write-ins that get the most public support will also receive a grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The top vote-getting organization in each of the eight regions (including write-ins) will receive $5,000.
Community Matters More not only provides financial support to the nonprofits, it also generates substantial exposure and community awareness for the work these organizations do to enhance the quality of life in Maine.
Last year, Crossroads Youth Center in Saco was the top vote-getter in the York County region and received a $5,000 grant. Deb Landry, executive director of Crossroads Youth Center, commented on the impact of the grant. “Crossroads’ mission is to provide social awareness education with a focus on bullying prevention, respect and kindness to youth through various art-based and civic involvement programs. Winning the grant enabled us to expand our Unite Against Bullying Walk statewide, with events held in York, Washington and Aroostook Counties. We are so thankful for the generous grant from Bangor Savings Bank Foundation and Community Matters More and for their support of Crossroads and the greater community, ” said Landry.
Montgomery-Rice acknowledges the essential role that the media sponsors play in promoting Community Matters More. “For the past several years, we’ve been fortunate to partner with WLBZ-TV/ Channel 2, WCSH-TV/Channel 6, WGAN 560 Newsradio and Blueberry Broadcasting. With their support, the public has been made aware of this program and the importance of giving back to the community,” said Montgomery-Rice.
