MANCHESTER, N.H.— St. Mary’s Bank has awarded $20,000 in total to four nonprofit organizations, each of which received $5,000 in support of their respective missions.
These organizations included NHSPCA, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and New Hampshire Food Bank.
The awards were made possible through the credit union’s 603 Account, a unique checking account that benefits New Hampshire nonprofits and those who open—or convert to—one. At account opening or conversion, individuals select the specific charity category to receive the donation.
In 2022-23, available categories included Animals (NHSPCA), Children & Families (CASA), Environment (Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests), and Food & Shelter (New Hampshire Food Bank).
Every time individuals used their 603 Account debit card to make a purchase since the program was launched in September 2022, St. Mary’s Bank has donated $0.0603 to the nonprofit organization within that selected category. The charitable donations are distributed by St. Mary’s Bank’s charitable foundation.
“The 603 Account empowers our members to select local non-profits for St. Mary’s Bank to support while also providing them with the benefits of banking with the nation's first credit union,” said CEO Ken Senus.
According to Eileen Liponis, executive director of New Hampshire Food Bank, St. Mary’s Bank has been a longtime supporter of their programs and initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful for their continued and generous support,” she said. “When every contribution makes an impact, we can all be part of the solution to eliminate hunger in the Granite State.”
In looking to the next year of the 603 Account, Senus said St. Mary’s Bank will again invest in the same categories.
“These are high-impact categories where investments in local nonprofits can make a measurable impact in the quality of life for people in our communities and the health of the planet,” he said. “St. Mary’s Bank is committed to continuing to solidify and expand its philanthropic footprint.”