HAMPDEN – The Maine Savings Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, announced that applications are opening for its 2026 Beyond Banking Grant Program. The program will award five grants of $5,000 each to Maine nonprofit organizations and community projects making a real difference for their neighbors.
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 4 with grant recipients announced on Dec. 7. Nonprofits may apply in one or more of four focus areas: health and wellness, education, culture and arts and social and civic services.
“These organizations show up for Maine every single day,” Vanessa Madore, president and chief executive officer of Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, said. “Supporting them through the Beyond Banking Grant Program is one of the most meaningful ways we can go beyond banking and invest directly in the people and places we serve.”
In 2025, the Foundation awarded Beyond Banking grants to five Maine nonprofits: Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Bangor Public Library, Harold Alfond Youth & Community Center, Maine Needs, Inc. and Partners for Peace. Funded projects ranged from emergency food assistance for kinship and foster families to a 24/7 helpline supporting survivors of domestic violence in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying can find eligibility requirements and the application at mainesavings.com/maine-savings-foundation.