MVSB Fund Grant applications due Oct. 15
STATEWIDE — Local nonprofits who wish to apply for a grant from the MVSB (Meredith Village Savings Bank) Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation can do so by Oct. 15. The application and instructions can be accessed online at mvsb.com/community-involvement.
Established in 1997, under the leadership of John Starrett, then-President and CEO of the Bank, the MVSB Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation makes grant-based contributions to nonprofit organizations that enrich and improve the quality of life for residents living in the Bank’s service areas.
“We recognize the critical role our local non-profits play in strengthening our communities,” said Marcus Weeks, MVSB President and MVSB Fund Committee Member. “The fund is an important way we can offer our support to help them grow their programming, tackle needed projects and to continue to their important work.”
Since the Fund’s inception, over 500 grants have been awarded, totaling over $2 million in contributions to a wide range of environmental, social, educational and historic projects throughout New Hampshire.
The MVSB Fund has supported literacy and after-school programs, environmental monitoring, restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances and equipment that helps save lives. While not focused on a particular category, Fund administrators are mindful of the receiving organization and their contribution to the quality of life in the communities being served.
Grants generally range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies based in the Lakes Region, Plymouth and Seacoast areas. Projects supported are of high priority and need for the applicant organization and are related to their mission or development; demonstrate a clear, practical plan with objectives for services, participation and results; leverage other funding and/or voluntary support; offer evidence that project objectives will be accomplished within the grant period and demonstrate cooperation and collaboration with other organizations to provide greater community impact.
Go to mvsb.com/community-involvement to learn more and to apply.
Best Places to Work in Maine honors Partners Bank as Top Employer in 2024
SANFORD, Maine – For the third consecutive year, Partners Bank has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine.
In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, only about 51% of U.S. adults are satisfied with their job. Factors that contribute to this low percentage include their relationships with their co-workers and managers, daily tasks, opportunities for promotion and growth, training, and compensation. According to multiple sources, including Harvard Business Review, a person’s job satisfaction is a strong indicator of one’s personal happiness.
How have the other 49% of U.S. adults achieved job satisfaction? To research and recognize the employers who are contributing to the happiness of their employees, Best Companies Group, a BridgeTower Media brand, created the Best Places to Work in Maine award. Their goal is to help companies assess, enhance, and promote company work environments and cultures, and the Best Places to Work program is one way they do that.
To be eligible for the Best Places to Work in Maine award, organizations must meet specific business criteria such as having a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees and being in business for at least one year. However, clinching the award depends on feedback from the employees. All Partners Bank employees were surveyed on their thoughts and feelings about the organization’s leadership, corporate culture, and communication; their role within the organization, work environment, and relationships with immediate supervisors; training and development, and pay and benefits. The anonymous surveys are conducted and collected by Best Companies Group, giving employees the freedom to answer honestly. Partners Bank scored well in all categories, earning recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine.
“Everyone at Partners Bank is proud to be included in this elite group of top employers. We all contribute to making a difference in not only the lives of our customers but also our employees,” said President & CEO Blaine Boudreau. “For the past three years, we have entered the Best Places to Work in Maine program, and we have won all three times. In a modern world that demands more and better from businesses and employers, it is an honor to be consistently recognized by our employees for our values and our culture.”
The Awards Celebration will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on Oct. 8 and will reveal the rankings of the Best Places to Work in Maine 2024 winners. The ranking of Partners Bank will be shared at that time.