Merrimack Bank Supports Second Start Programs in Concord

Merrimack County Savings Bank pledges $10,000 to help strengthen operations at local non-profit education organization.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Merrimack County Savings Bank has pledged $10,000 to Second Start, a private non-profit educational organization in Concord, New Hampshire, to help strengthen its internal operations and support its employees. The funding is part of a partnership with the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, which allows businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for state tax credits.

Why it matters

Second Start provides a wide variety of educational programs in Concord, including early childhood education, substance misuse prevention, adult education, and services for New Americans. The Merrimack's support helps sustain these vital community resources that transform lives through education.

The details

The Merrimack's $10,000 pledge will help Second Start implement new initiatives to improve its daily operations and better support its staff and volunteers. Second Start has been active in Concord since 1971 and serves more than 1,000 students annually through its programs.

  • Merrimack County Savings Bank has been a longstanding supporter of Second Start.
  • The $10,000 pledge was made in partnership with the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority in 2026.

The players

Merrimack County Savings Bank

A mutual savings bank that has served central and southern New Hampshire for 159 years, investing in local communities instead of Wall Street stockholders.

Second Start

A private non-profit educational organization that has been active in Concord, New Hampshire since 1971, providing a wide variety of programs to improve the economic and educational well-being of state residents.

New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority

A state agency that administers a tax credit program allowing businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for state tax relief.

Linda Lorden

President of The Merrimack.

William Mealey

Chief Executive Officer at Second Start.

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What they’re saying

“By investing in Second Start, we're able to help sustain programming that transforms lives. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make a difference in the community through education.”

— Linda Lorden, President of The Merrimack

“We're grateful for The Merrimack's support as we implement new initiatives to improve daily operations. The generosity of our local organizations helps us continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community.”

— William Mealey, Chief Executive Officer at Second Start

What’s next

The tax credit program allows The Merrimack to use its state tax dollars to support the Second Start programs it cares about. The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority will review the project and determine if it qualifies for tax credits.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates how local businesses can leverage state tax incentives to invest in vital community resources and organizations like Second Start that are making a real difference in people's lives through education.