Norway Savings Bank – Community Giving Program

Charitable Grants and Sponsorships Supporting Education, Economic Development, Essential Needs, and Community Enrichment in Maine and New Hampshire

Norway Savings Bank’s Community Giving Program provides financial support to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations working to strengthen communities in Maine and New Hampshire. Funding supports education and financial literacy, economic and workforce development, affordable housing, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and programs addressing essential needs.

Requests are accepted throughout the year, with priority given to organizations located in Norway Savings Bank’s branch communities and designated counties within its service region.

Organization: Norway Savings Bank
Support Type: Charitable grants and corporate sponsorships
Geographic Focus: Selected communities and counties in Maine and New Hampshire

About the Funder

Norway Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank serving communities in Maine and New Hampshire. As a community-focused financial institution, the bank invests in organizations and initiatives that improve local quality of life, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen neighborhoods.

Through financial contributions, sponsorships, and employee volunteerism, Norway Savings Bank supports organizations addressing both immediate community needs and long-term challenges.

In 2025, the bank reported making more than 400 charitable contributions and providing over 3,050 employee volunteer hours.

Its Community Giving Program reflects a commitment to community reinvestment, financial education, economic development, and sustainable local growth.

What This Program Supports

Norway Savings Bank concentrates its charitable giving in four priority areas.

Education & Financial Literacy

Programs that expand educational opportunities and promote financial literacy for individuals of all ages and learning abilities.

Supported initiatives may include educational enrichment, financial education, and programs helping individuals develop the knowledge and skills needed for long-term success.

Economic, Workforce & Housing Development

Initiatives that strengthen local economies and improve economic stability, including:

• Small business development
• Workforce development and job readiness
• Employment opportunities
• Affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization
• Community economic development

The bank prioritizes programs that connect individuals with sustainable employment and help communities thrive.

Civic, Cultural & Environmental Initiatives

Programs that enrich community life and encourage civic engagement, including:

• Arts and cultural organizations
• Creative and community-building activities
• Environmental stewardship
• Sustainability initiatives
• Projects promoting healthy and vibrant communities

Essential Needs

Programs that help individuals and families access basic necessities and achieve greater stability, including:

• Food assistance
• Clothing and essential supplies
• Housing support
• Employment assistance
• Community inclusion and support services

Eligible Support Types

Norway Savings Bank provides two primary forms of financial assistance.

Charitable Donations / Grants

Contributions to nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations without any tangible benefit to the bank in return.

These grants support qualifying community programs, projects, and organizational initiatives.

Corporate Sponsorships

Financial support for organizations conducting fundraising activities or community events.

Sponsorships may include:

• Purchasing tickets to charitable fundraising events
• Sponsoring golf tournament fundraisers
• Advertising in nonprofit newsletters
• Advertising in event programs or playbills
• Other qualifying sponsorship arrangements

Eligibility & Preferences

Eligible applicants generally include nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations serving Norway Savings Bank’s designated communities.

Priority is given to requests that:

• Align with at least one of the bank’s four charitable giving categories
• Directly benefit communities within its geographic priorities
• Demonstrate meaningful and lasting community impact
• Encourage community awareness and participation
• Generate support from public and private partners
• Contribute to community reinvestment and long-term local improvement

The bank receives more requests than it can support and evaluates applications based on their alignment with these priorities.

Geographic Priorities

Norway Savings Bank prioritizes organizations located in its branch communities.

Secondary consideration is given to organizations serving the following counties:

Maine

• Androscoggin County
• Cumberland County
• Oxford County
• Sagadahoc County
• York County

New Hampshire

• Carroll County
• Coos County

Organizations outside these areas are unlikely to receive funding unless they can demonstrate a direct benefit to the bank’s geographic region.

Ineligible Requests

Norway Savings Bank generally does not support:

• Individuals seeking financial assistance
• Individuals raising money for a cause, such as walkathons
• Political organizations or candidates for public office
• Religious organizations or activities for sectarian purposes, except community service programs that otherwise meet the bank’s giving priorities
• National or international organizations unable to designate funding exclusively for the bank’s geographic service region

Funding Amounts

Norway Savings Bank does not publish standard grant amounts or minimum and maximum funding levels.

Award amounts vary based on the nature of the request, community impact, alignment with giving priorities, and available resources.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing

📅 Application Deadline: No fixed annual deadline published

📅 Review Period: Not publicly specified

📅 Recommended Lead Time: Submit requests well in advance of the proposed project or event.

The bank evaluates requests based on community priorities and available charitable resources.

Application / Request Process

Organizations must submit a written request for consideration.

Requests may be submitted by email, delivered to a local Norway Savings Bank branch, or mailed to the bank.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The organization’s mission and community role
• The program, project, or event for which funding is requested
• The amount of support requested
• The geographic area and population served
• How the request aligns with the bank’s giving priorities
• The anticipated community benefit

Mailing Address:

Norway Savings Bank
Attn: Marketing
PO Box 347
Norway, ME 04268

Applicants may also use the email contact provided on the bank’s official Community Giving page.

Apply / Learn More: https://www.norwaysavings.bank/get-to-know-us/community-giving/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is particularly well suited for organizations that:

• Serve communities in southern or western Maine or eligible New Hampshire counties
• Provide education or financial literacy programs
• Support workforce development, small businesses, or affordable housing
• Address food insecurity, housing instability, or other essential needs
• Promote arts, culture, environmental stewardship, or community enrichment
• Seek either direct charitable grants or corporate sponsorships

Norway Savings Bank’s Community Giving Program offers a flexible source of charitable support for community-based organizations delivering meaningful local benefits.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Rolling requests
Funding Amounts: Not publicly specified
Application Method: Written request by email, branch delivery, or postal mail
Geographic Priority: Branch communities first; seven designated counties second
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits and not-for-profit organizations in Maine and New Hampshire working in education, economic development, essential needs, arts, culture, and environmental sustainability