Supporting health and wellness, providing for basic needs, making sure families have enough to eat, and administering mental health are just some of the focal points of 14 Midcoast Maine nonprofits that are receiving a total of $100,000 in grants from the Damariscotta Bank and Trust Foundation Special Project Fund, including Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay and Veggies to Table in Newcastle.

The announcement comes after the merger between Bangor Bancorp, MHC, parent company of Bangor Savings Bank, and Maine-based Damariscotta Bankshares, Inc., parent company of Damariscotta Bank and Trust Company (“DB&T”) was completed.

“These funds demonstrate our continued commitment to serving the communities in MidCoast Maine and beyond,” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank, in a news release. “With our new branch locations throughout Knox, Waldo and Lincoln counties, we look forward to further supporting these families, neighbors, and communities with these special funds.”

The Grant Awards are part of the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, which focuses philanthropic efforts on initiatives that will make surrounding communities more prosperous, more livable, and more vibrant.

The following grant recipients are among the many examples of the important work taking place in Maine’s Midcoast:

$2,500 Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, Lincoln County

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay, Maine and is a world leader in microbial oceanography. From its home base in Maine to the Arctic to the deep ocean crust, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health to improve the future for all life on our planet. The funds will be used to help continue the organization’s commitment to advancing science and addressing the challenges facing our planet through research that unlocks the hidden potential of our oceans.

$7,500, Veggies to Table, Newcastle, Lincoln County

Veggies to Table grows top-quality organic produce and flowers to donate to local people experiencing food insecurity. The nonprofit creates community through volunteerism and provides education around healthy food. Additionally, in an aging population where many people face isolation, Veggies to Table’s hope is to break this lonely cycle. Its hope is that people of every age, belief, and background can meet, connect, and create lasting relationships right here on the farm. Funds will be used to assist with the purchase of a modern irrigation system, including a dug well, to expand the production of grown-to-donate organic produce for those struggling with food insecurity.

Additional Recipients:

• Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO)                     $7,500              Rockland, Knox County  
• Belfast Area Child Care Services Inc.           $5,000              Waldo, Waldo County
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine,        $10,000           Camden, Knox County
• Coastal Mountains Land Trust                      $7,500              Camden, Knox County
• Ecology Learning Center                              $3,000              Unity, Waldo County
• MCH Inc.                                                      $5,000              Rockland, Knox County
• P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center                $5,000              Rockport, Knox County
• Rockport Library Foundation                      $15,000            Rockport, Knox County
• Wayfinder Schools                                        $7,000              Camden, Knox County
• Waldo County Woodshed,                             $5,000              Belfast, Waldo County
• Whitefield Library                                        $10,000            Whitefield, Lincoln County

“Organizations like these ensure our region is a thriving place to live, work, and call home,” said Montgomery-Rice. “They genuinely care about their impact in our communities, and as we continue to navigate during these unprecedented times, we value and appreciate all that they do. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these nonprofits.”