Camden National Bank

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OVERVIEW: Camden National Bank funds nonprofits as part of its commitment to New England communities for economic development, education and youth, arts and culture, and health and services.

IP TAKE: Camden National Bank is a modest corporate funder that supports a wide range of issues in Maine communities where the bank has a business presence. It supports small, local community groups and institutions as well as major national non-profits who have a presence in Maine.

Camden is not the most transparent or accessible funder. While it does post stories of its community efforts on its news page, it does not maintain a comprehensive grants database or annual report. It also does not appear to accept unsolicited applications and does not provide a way of applying for funding on its website. As a grantseeker, your best bet is probably to try getting in contact with a representative at your nearest Camden location to inquire what sort of opportunities may be available. It would be an added advantage if you have a relationship with any Camden employees who volunteer with your organization.

PROFILE: Established in 1895, the Camden National Bank largely serves South-Central Maine and has 60 banking centers in the region. Camden National Bank supports the Maine nonprofit community and also broader regional and national organizations with its philanthropic efforts. One foundation program is Hope@Home, which is a bank initiative to help the homeless by way of $100 donations to a community shelter every time a customer finances a new home. The bank has supported more than 50 shelters in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. This support is delivered in the form of meals, gas, volunteers, and holiday gifts. Another bank foundation giving program is called Leaders & Luminaries, which recognizes outstanding leaders in the nonprofit community. The bank accepts nominations for top board members in Maine and awards approximately four $5,000 grants each year.

As part of its community commitment, this bank makes grants to local nonprofits. It established its own private charitable foundation and also provides support via direct donations and employee volunteerism. Its current priority giving areas are Economic Development, Education and Youth, Arts and Culture, and Health and Services.

Grants for Community Development

Camden’s grants for community development mainly support “organizations that revitalize communities, develop and rehabilitate affordable housing, promote sustainability, attract investments, build wealth, encourage entrepreneurship, and create jobs.” Camden also gives health and services grants to ensure that everyone has “equitable access to our health care community.” Grantees in this area include Lifelight Foundation and Northern Light Health Foundation.

Grants for Education and Youth

Camden National Bank believes that every child in Maine is “entitled to quality education” and supports “organizations that inspire and encourage academic success and mental and social well-being.” It mainly supports organizations providing services for youth, rather than supporting school systems directly. Grantees include Olympia Snow Women’s Leadership Institute, Midcoast Recreation Facility, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Junior Achievement of Maine.

Grants for Arts and Culture

Camden supports the arts and cultural institutions in its community that “reinforce the economy, create an active and vibrant society, and help revitalize underserved communities.” Grantees include Farnsworth Art Museum and Portland Public Library.

Important Grant Details:

Bank grants tend to be between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Annual giving tends to be between $20,000 to $25,000 total. The bank does not provide an online grants database on its website, but it does recognize past winners on the program pages of its website.

  • Grantmaking prioritizes Maine, but also extends throughout New England.

  • The bank does not provide specific guidelines about how to apply for a grant or post an application form on its website.

Grantseekers can direct general questions about bank giving to the staff at 800-860-8821 or via online form.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).