MACHIAS, Maine — One week after opening its rapid response grant program to support nonprofits through the COVID-19 pandemic, Machias Savings Bank had heard from over 100 organizations requesting more than $600,000 in funding to serve Mainers facing hardship as a result of the pandemic.
The bank awarded $100,000 in rapid response grants of up to $5,000 to 42 nonprofits, including the Aroostook County Action Program.
“During this trying time, we have been focusing on helping families meet the most basic needs of shelter and food security. These funds could not have come at a better time as we are working to meet the increasing needs in our community,” said Sherry Locke, ACAP development and communication manager.
“We are providing hundreds of meals daily to children and struggling families and have opened an overflow homeless shelter to help ensure everyone in our community has a safe, warm location to shelter in place. These are expanded initiatives in addition to the ongoing work that continues in the community,” Locke said. “This extra funding will be invaluable in helping us to continue to support our neighbors during this time of need.”
“Our goal with this program was to be able to provide quick support for organizations that are lifting up their communities at this time,” said Melissa Denbow, vice president of corporate giving and community relations at the bank. “We are proud to say that – within two weeks of launching the program – much of the funding we were able to provide is already making a difference in communities across the state.”
The grant recipients range in purpose and span the state, but center largely around managing food insecurity, services for the aging and isolated, community action programs, and emergency response teams.
ACAP offers programs and assistance throughout Aroostook County.
