The MVSB Charitable Fund has awarded $99,992 in grants to area nonprofits. The 2013 Charitable Fund contributions include 13 grants to assist agencies with their individual needs. An additional $28,425 will be disbursed to area food pantries later this year. These grants are in addition to MVSB’s many local contributions in the form of sponsorships, donations and scholarships, as well as the extraordinary volunteer efforts of its employees.
“The MVSB charitable fund was developed as part of our long-term commitment to investing in the communities and people we serve,” said Rick Wyman, Executive Vice President and CFO at MVSB and Charitable Fund Trustee. “Community support has been a central part of our mission since we opened in 1869 and we are thrilled to be able to provide this funding to deserving organizations each year.”
MVSB established the Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund in 1997 under the leadership of John Starrett who was then president and CEO of the Bank. Since then, 248 grants totaling more than $971,992 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational, and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region and Plymouth areas. Over the years, the Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring and education, restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances, and equipment that helps save lives.
The recently-selected 2013 MVSB Charitable Fund recipients are:
Ashland HEAL, Community Garden Committee of Ashland was awarded $3,500 to start a community garden on town-owned land adjacent to the Ashland Elementary School. The garden will provide a place for community members to grow fresh fruits and vegetables for consumption and/or distribution to town residents, school students and charitable food outlets.
Brookfield Town House of Brookfield was awarded $7,500 to help add a new handicapped accessible restroom to their Town House to bring the building into compliance with ADA requirements. The Brookfield Town House has been in use continuously since 1823 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The building hosts town meetings, events and serves as an emergency shelter for Brookfield residents.
Copper Cannon Camp of Franconia was awarded $4,800 to send 8 youth to the camp for one week during the summer of 2014. Copper Cannon Camp is a free summer camp for low-income and at-risk youth throughout New Hampshire. The camp provides each camper traditional camping activities, nutritious meals, access to books, clothing and school supplies, and lessons and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Friends of Carroll County Adult Tutorial Services of Tamworth was awarded $5,000 to help defray the cost of tuition to Carroll Academy, an Adult Diploma Program formed by the Carroll County Adult Learner Services. The program provides adults the classes and guidance needed to obtain a High School Diploma and pursue secondary education opportunities.
Got-Lunch! Inter-Lakes of Meredith was awarded $5,000 to contribute to the program’s food costs and allow the program to provide dairy vouchers to Got-Lunch! meal recipients. Got-Lunch! Inter-Lakes provides and delivers lunches to Inter-Lakes School System students that find themselves in need of healthy lunches during the summer recess.
Granite State Adaptive of Mirror Lake was awarded $5,000 to provide scholarships to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford adaptive ski lessons. Granite State Adaptive provides individuals with disabilities in the Lakes Region opportunities to develop independence, confidence, life skills and fitness through a variety of activities, including skiing.
Gilford High School FIRST Robotics Team 1831 of Gilford was awarded $8,500 to contribute to program expenses for the team’s inclusion in the 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition program. This program promotes the learning of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering skills in a real world environment and provides students the opportunity to obtain college scholarship funds.
Pemi-Baker Literacy of Plymouth was awarded $3,000 to contribute to the program’s operating funds and allow them to purchase a new laptop computer. Pemi-Baker Literacy offers free one-on-one tutoring and small classes in reading, writing, math, English as a 2nd language, preparation for the High School Equivalency Exam and basic computer skills. The program allows adults in the Plymouth/Bristol area the opportunity to achieve their personal goals from learning to read to going to college.
Pemi Youth Center of Plymouth was awarded $5,000 to support their after school program, which operates Monday through Friday from 2:30-5:30 pm at no cost to families. The program provides a safe after school environment with activities catered to the needs of their participants. In addition to homework help and educational activities, the program also encourages development of life and communication skills, self esteem and educates students about the negative impacts of risky behavior.
Tilton Senior Center of Tilton was awarded $4,592 to purchase and install a commercial dishwasher and to fabricate and install a hood with fire suppression system over their stove. The Tilton Senior Center currently provides meals to community seniors one day per week. With these additions, the center hopes to increase service to three days per week.
Winnipesaukee Skating Club of Laconia was awarded $10,000 to be put toward the “Think rink for kids” capital campaign. The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $267,000 to fund necessary refrigeration system updates to the Laconia Ice Arena – allowing the club to sustain this community resource without raising rink usage fees.
Winnipesaukee Wellness Center of Center Harbor was awarded $1,675 to provide scholarships and discounted fees to members meeting financial need criteria. Winnipesaukee Wellness Center is a self-supporting department of LRGHealthcare, offering a nurse-supervised and coordinated exercise training program for people with a wide range of medical diagnoses.
Wolfeboro Nursery School of Wolfeboro was awarded $8,000 to contribute to the costs of renovating the playground adjacent to the school in a public/private partnership with the Town of Wolfeboro. The updated fitness and play area will provide a safer, more stimulating environment for children to accelerate their emotional, social, motor and cognitive development.
2014 MVSB Charitable Fund Grant Applications:
The deadline for consideration for the next grant cycle is October 15, 2014. Applications are available on the Bank’s website and at all MVSB offices.
