Bangor Savings Bank Supports Communities Through Donations

The bank's Community Matters More program distributes $155,000 in grants to nonprofits based on public voting.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:39pm

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Bangor Savings Bank's Community Matters More program, part of the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, aims to support thriving communities by distributing $155,000 in grants to nonprofits in Maine and New Hampshire. The public votes on the recipients through an online ballot, with the top vote-getters in each region receiving $5,000 grants. Organizations like Portland Trails and Big Brothers, Big Sisters were past recipients, while Maine Needs and the Olympia Snow Women's Leadership Institute are featured on this year's ballot.

Why it matters

The Community Matters More program allows Bangor Savings Bank to directly support local nonprofits and community initiatives that are important to the bank's customers and the general public. By giving the community a voice in deciding the grant recipients, the program fosters engagement and helps direct funding to the organizations that matter most to the people.

The details

Through the Community Matters More program, Bangor Savings Bank distributes $155,000 in grants to nonprofits across Maine and New Hampshire. The public can vote for their preferred recipients on an online ballot, with the top vote-getters in each region receiving $5,000 grants. Past recipients have included Portland Trails and Big Brothers, Big Sisters, while this year's ballot features nonprofits like Maine Needs and the Olympia Snow Women's Leadership Institute.

  • The Community Matters More program has been running annually for several years.
  • The public voting for this year's grant recipients is currently open.

The players

Bangor Savings Bank

A regional bank headquartered in Bangor, Maine that provides banking and financial services throughout the state and in parts of New Hampshire.

Bangor Savings Bank Foundation

The charitable arm of Bangor Savings Bank that oversees the Community Matters More program and other community initiatives.

Gavin Robinson

The Community Relations Manager at Bangor Savings Bank who oversees the Community Matters More program.

Portland Trails

A nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes a network of trails in the Portland, Maine area.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters

A national nonprofit that provides one-on-one mentoring relationships for children and youth.

Maine Needs

A nonprofit that collects and distributes essential items to individuals and families in need across Maine.

Olympia Snow Women's Leadership Institute

A nonprofit organization that provides leadership development and networking opportunities for women in Maine.

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What they’re saying

“The Community Matters More program allows us to directly support the local nonprofits and community initiatives that are most important to our customers and the general public.”

— Gavin Robinson, Community Relations Manager, Bangor Savings Bank

What’s next

The public voting for this year's Community Matters More grant recipients will close on May 15, 2026, with the top vote-getters in each region announced shortly after.

The takeaway

Bangor Savings Bank's Community Matters More program demonstrates how a regional bank can leverage its resources to empower local nonprofits and strengthen the communities it serves by giving customers a direct say in how charitable funds are distributed.