Bangor Savings Bank Foundation – $5,001–$25,000 Grant Program (2027)
Grants Supporting Community Vitality Across Northern New England
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation provides grants ranging from $5,001 to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations working to make communities across Northern New England more prosperous, livable, and vibrant.
The Foundation supports projects in Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts, with funding available for program development as well as new and expanded facilities and equipment.
Organization: Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Maine, New Hampshire, and Essex County, Massachusetts
Funding Amount: $5,001–$25,000
Next Application Deadline: April 1, 2027
About the Funder
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation leads the philanthropic grantmaking efforts of Bangor Savings Bank.
The Foundation focuses on initiatives that strengthen the economic and social vitality of communities throughout Northern New England, particularly in areas served by Bangor Savings Bank.
Its grantmaking supports nonprofit organizations addressing community needs through education, economic development, health and wellness, arts and culture, and social and community services.
What This Program Supports
The Foundation identifies five primary areas of giving:
Culture & Arts
Initiatives supporting organizations that respond to community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, or provide educational opportunities.
Economic & Workforce Development
Programs that strengthen the local workforce and improve community economic well-being.
Examples include:
- Affordable housing
- Innovation and technology
- Vocational training
- Workforce development
- Economic opportunity
Education
Programs that increase student readiness and support academic success.
The Foundation also includes comprehensive financial wellness initiatives within its education priority.
Health & Wellness
Programs supporting the underlying medical and healthcare needs of communities.
This includes initiatives addressing physical and mental health and wellness for people of all ages.
Social & Community Services
Programs and activities designed to improve quality of life in the communities served by the Foundation.
Eligible Support
Grants of $5,001–$25,000 may support:
- Program development
- New facilities
- Expanded facilities
- Equipment
Unlike the Foundation’s smaller $2,000–$5,000 grant program, this larger grant program does not generally support annual operating budgets.
Eligibility
Grant recipients must:
- Demonstrate 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
- Demonstrate a need for private financial support
- Have a request directly relevant to the Foundation’s areas of giving
- Serve eligible communities in Maine, New Hampshire, or Essex County, Massachusetts
Organizations may apply using a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal agent.
Grant awards are generally limited to the geographic region served by Bangor Savings Bank.
Geographic Focus
The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation supports communities and projects focused on:
Maine
Organizations and projects serving communities throughout Maine may be considered.
New Hampshire
Organizations and projects serving New Hampshire communities may be considered.
Massachusetts
Eligibility in Massachusetts is specifically limited to Essex County.
Funding Priorities
Across its grantmaking, the Foundation prefers projects and initiatives that:
- Leverage additional resources and community support
- Produce measurable and cost-effective results
- Encourage collaboration between the private and public sectors
- Coordinate with existing community efforts and avoid duplication
- Advance innovative and long-term strategies addressing recognized needs
- Demonstrate the potential for sustainability
Applicants should clearly describe both the community need being addressed and how project results will be measured.
Ineligible Requests
The Foundation does not provide financial support for:
- Political organizations, causes, or candidates
- Religious organizations or causes
- Activities for sectarian purposes
The $5,001–$25,000 program also does not generally support:
- Annual operating budgets
- Salaries
- Endowments
- Scholarships
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Festivals
- Similar events
Event sponsorship requests may instead be considered through Bangor Savings Bank’s separate Corporate Giving Program.
Funding Amount
💰 Grant Range: $5,001–$25,000
Applicants seeking $5,001–$25,000 must apply through this larger Foundation grant cycle.
Organizations seeking $2,000–$5,000 use a separate grant program with different deadlines and guidelines.
Applicants may apply to only one Bangor Savings Bank Foundation grant program per year.
Timeline & Review
📅 Next Application Deadline: April 1, 2027
📅 Additional Annual Deadline: October 1
📅 Funding Decisions: Generally within 75 days of each deadline
The $5,001–$25,000 program is reviewed twice annually.
Organizations may submit applications early, but applications will be held for review during the grant cycle corresponding with the requested funding amount.
Prior applicants must wait one year from their previous application date before applying again, regardless of whether the earlier request was approved or denied.
Application / Request Process
Applications are submitted through the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s online grant portal.
Applicants should clearly describe:
- The initiative for which support is requested
- The community need being addressed
- How the project aligns with the Foundation’s giving priorities
- Expected outcomes and measurable results
- Other resources or partnerships supporting the initiative
- Plans for long-term sustainability, when applicable
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.bangor.com/the-bangor-savings-bank-foundation/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity may be particularly relevant for nonprofits that:
- Serve communities in Maine or New Hampshire
- Serve Essex County, Massachusetts
- Need between $5,001 and $25,000
- Are developing or expanding a community program
- Need funding for facilities or equipment
- Work in education, workforce development, health, arts and culture, or community services
- Can demonstrate measurable results and community impact
- Have partnerships or other resources that can leverage the Foundation’s investment
The program is particularly well suited for established community organizations with defined projects requiring more substantial funding than Bangor Savings Bank Foundation’s smaller grant program provides.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Next Deadline: April 1, 2027
Additional Deadline: October 1
Award Range: $5,001–$25,000
Geography: Maine; New Hampshire; Essex County, Massachusetts
Review Type: Semiannual competitive grant cycle
Decision Timeline: Generally within 75 days
Best Suited For: Nonprofits seeking project, facility, equipment, or program-development funding in Northern New England