Voting starts for BSB’s Community Matters More

PRYMCA and Kiwanis
‘Backpacks’ on new list

    BANGOR — Bangor Savings Bank Foundation recently began its annual grant-making initiative, Community Matters More.
    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 including two local organizations: the Piscataquis Regional YMCA and the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis Backpack Program.

    The voting period takes place during the month of February 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.