Grants and Donations
Giving Guidelines Q&A
What are our giving priorities?
Donations & grants are made to qualified 501c3 organizations. Other organizations may be eligible for sponsorships. Awards are generally limited to service areas of Machias Savings Bank.
When deciding on donations, we look for partnerships to help improve the lives of our community members. Priorities are given to the following:
- Financial Health
- Basic needs – food, housing, and healthcare
- Low to Moderate Income Programming
- Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Broadband Connectivity
- Childcare
- Youth Programming
What donations are excluded by bank policy?
We do not award donations to religious or political organizations unless the programming is for food insecurity or to advance financial health. We also do not award donations to individuals.
What different levels of approval are needed?
Local decisions are made by branches for gifts up to $2,000. Regional decision can be made up to $5,000. The giving committee meets monthly on donation requests of $5,001 and greater. Donations over $10,001 require the Bank President’s approval. Any donation or multi-year pledge over $30,000 requires Board of Directors’ approval.
What are the denominations of gifts?
Our donations can be a small as $100. Multiyear pledges historically are $100,000 or less with the average of $25,000. Grant awards are $1,000 - $5,000.
How do I apply?
There is a link on our community landing page for applications.
Is there a difference between applying to Machias Savings Bank and to the Machias Savings Bank Community Development Foundation?
Nonprofits may see the Machias Savings Bank Foundation listed separately in giving guides. The Foundation grants are opened at specific intervals, twice each year. A nonprofit may apply for a donation from the bank and still be eligible for a grant from the Foundation. Both Foundation gifts and donations are available on the bank website.
Who are the decision-makers on grant applications?
We have a giving committee made up of regional delegates, our CRA officer, and the Community Experience Manager. When necessary, we include the branch manager in the region of the nonprofit location for input.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
The Community Experience Manager, who is currently Melissa Moffett Denbow. She can be reached directly at 207-255-9266 or by email at mdenbow@machiassavings.com.