Bangor Savings Bank Foundation begins its annual grant-making initiative, Community Matters More, on February 1. Through this charitable program, Maine’s largest independent bank offers all Maine residents the opportunity to weigh in on how best to allocate $100,000 the bank has pledged to give to 68 Maine nonprofit organizations.

The voting period takes place during the month of February, beginning Saturday, February 1 and ending Friday, February 28. Winners will be announced in April.

Nonprofits in the Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties are:

• Harbor Family Services
• Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County
• Know County Health Clinic, People for People
• Ragged Mountain Recreation Area Foundation/Camden Snow Bowl
• Unity Barnraisers
• Write In space

Each of the 48 nonprofits listed on the ballot (from each county) will receive at least a $1,000 grant for participating in the program, and the top 20 write-ins that get the most public support will

also receive a grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The top vote-getting organization in each of the eight regions (including write-ins) will receive $5,000.

It is easy to vote online at www.bangor.com/cmm. Paper ballots are also available at any of the 57 Bangor Savings Bank branches statewide, and at each of the participating nonprofits.

Since its inception, Community Matters More has provided more than $600,000 in total grants to hundreds of Maine nonprofits. “We launched Community Matters More in 2007 as a way to support nonprofit organizations in Maine based on input from the general public. The enthusiastic participation of Maine residents who are passionate about their favorite nonprofits and who understand the importance of supporting communities is what makes this effort so successful,” said Yellow Light Breen, executive vice president at Bangor Savings Bank.

Community Matters More not only provides financial support to the nonprofits, it also generates substantial exposure and community awareness for the work these organizations do to enhance the quality of life in Maine.

Breen acknowledges the essential role that the media sponsors play in promoting Community Matters More. “For the past several years, the media has really stepped up and done their part. We’ve been fortunate to partner with WLBZ-TV/Channel 2, WCSH-TV/Channel 6, WGAN 560 Newsradio and Blueberry Broadcasting. With their support, the public has been made aware of this program and the importance of giving back to the community,” Breen said.