United Bank supports non-profits

Date: 12/13/2010

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Dena M. Hall, president of the United Bank Foundation, announced today that a total of $53,120 was awarded to not-for-profit organizations in the greater Springfield and Worcester areas during the foundation's most recent round of funding.

This cycle marked the first time that the Foundation has awarded grants in the Worcester region since United Bank expanded its franchise last year with the acquisition of Commonwealth National Bank. Funds allocated to the Worcester area organizations were in addition to the Foundation's traditional grant-making efforts in Springfield.

"United Bank has a long history of charitable and community giving," Hall said. "We are pleased that we could increase our overall grant-making capacity to fund the grants made in Worcester County."

A total of $37,620 was awarded to Springfield area organizations:

  • The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter received $5,000 toward the purchase of a new emergency response vehicle and related equipment for the disaster services department.

  • Bay Path College received $25,000 to support the renovation of Elliott House as part of the Charting New Paths Capital Campaign. The grant will be paid over three years.

  • Brightside Inc. in West Springfield received $5,320 from the Foundation for the purchase of four laptop computers for its family stabilization team and community support program.

  • The Southwick Tolland Regional School District received $2,300 to purchase new technology and equipment for the math department for the High School.

    A total of $15,500 was awarded to organizations in Worcester County:

  • Children's Friend received $3,500 to support the school age mothers program, a partnership with the Worcester Public Schools.

    United Bank Foundation awards over $53,000 in community support:

  • The Abby Kelley Foster House, Inc. received $3,500 to support operating costs for affordable housing units for homeless and battered women.

  • The Boy Scouts of America, Mohegan Council Inc. received $3,500 to support Scoutreach Initiatives and the learning for life program in greater Worcester.

  • Youth Opportunities Upheld Inc. received $5,000 to support its Upward Bound college access program for participants in the Worcester High School program.

  • The United Bank Foundation has awarded nearly $1.3 million in grants since it was established in 2005 as a permanent source of funding to benefit communities in United Bank's market area.

    The Foundation's Board of Directors meets quarterly to review requests submitted by 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations located in the cities and towns in and around United Bank branches in the greater Springfield and Worcester regions.

    Its four primary funding areas of interest are education, health and human services, youth development and cultural programs.

    United Bank operates 16 full-service branch offices and two express drive-up branches located throughout Hampden and Hampshire Counties in Western Massachusetts and now operates six full-service branches formerly Commonwealth National Bank in Worcester County.

    For more information visit bankatunited.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/bankatunited, or call the United Bank Foundation office at 1-866-959-BANK.