Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution

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OVERVIEW: The Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution is a mutual savings bank that gives back to the local communities in Maine in the areas of hunger, education, youth, sports, the arts, the elderly, and social services.

IP TAKE: Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution is a modest corporate funder that supports a wide range of issues in Maine communities where the bank has a business presence. This bank funder tends to award hundreds of small grants each year, and nearly any type of local nonprofit can receive support. It supports small, local community groups and institutions as well as major national non-profits who have a presence in Maine.

SBS is not the most transparent or accessible funder. 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 SBS location to inquire what sort of opportunities may be available. It would be an added advantage if you have a relationship with any SBS employees who volunteer with your organization.

PROFILE: Established in 1827, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution is the oldest mutual savings bank based in Saco, Maine. It is also the ninth oldest bank in the country. Saco & Biddeford funds local nonprofits and schools throughout Maine as part of its community engagement. The bank funder supports “numerous local clubs and various groups and non-profit organizations whose efforts help make our community a better place to live and work.” Over a recent ten-year period, the bank provided over $3.5 million to local groups. Its funding areas are broad, and the bank does not provide specific guidelines about what it is looking for in new grantees. Grantmaking invests in issues broadly related to hunger, education, youth, sports teams, the arts, the elderly, and social services.

Grants for Education and Youth

Saco & Biddeford’s giving for education and youth goes to support programs and initiatives that improve educational outcomes, community engagement, and general well-being among Maine youths. It supports Maine school districts and programs at primary and secondary schools, as well as organizations that provide programs and services for at-risk or vulnerable youths, such as after-school programs, outdoor education, special needs education, athletics, and mentorship.

Grantees include Thornton Academy, My Place Teen Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, York County Community College Foundation, and Junior Achievement of Maine.

Grants for Community Development

Saco & Biddefords giving for community development primarily focuses on basic needs and human services. It supports efforts such as food banks, emergency medical services, housing development, domestic violence shelters, senior services, and substance abuse treatment.

Grantees include United Way of Southern Maine, Lifelight Foundation, Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center, Center for Grieving Children, Wayside Food Programs, Heart of Biddeford, Saco Main Street, Caring Unlimited, and Good Shepherd Food Bank.

Grants for Environment

Saco & Biddeford’s giving for the environment primarily revolves around the preservation of Maine’s natural resources, including forests, coastlines, and waterways. It also supports environmental initiatives and programs to introduce youths to outdoor recreation.

Grantees include Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Eastern Trail Alliance, Scarborough Land Conservation Trust, Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association, and Cape Elizabeth Land Trust.

Grants for Arts and Culture

Saco & Biddeford’s grants for arts and culture primarily supports cultural institutions in Maine, such as art museums, history museums, performing arts centers, folk arts, and arts education, as well as grants for historic preservation of Maine’s cultural heritage.

Grantees include Shutterbugs 4 Charity, Westbrook Historical Society, City Theater Associates, Saco River Theater, Dyer Library Association, and Portland Lyric Theater.

Important Grant Details:

Grants generally range from $1,000 to $25,000. The bank does not have an online grants database, but it does share news about recent giving on its press releases page.

  • Grantmaking is restricted to Maine and the parts of the state that the bank services.

  • The bank does not provide an application form on its website and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Grantseekers can direct general questions about nonprofit giving to the bank staff at 208-284-4591 or via online form.

PEOPLE:

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

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