Since 1987, the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism have celebrated and recognized the role of citizen volunteers in the success and vitality of Maine communities. The program is managed on behalf of the Office of the Governor by Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service.
The awards seek to inspire every Maine citizen to be active in civic life and follow in the footsteps of those recognized. Volunteers are the hidden muscle of community strength and resilience. They understand the issues their communities face, they are willing to seek solutions and then donate their time and talent to implementing the solutions.
Honorees were celebrated at the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism Ceremony on May 9, 2026 at Camp Chamberlain, Maine National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Augusta.
Outstanding Business Volunteer Program: Androscoggin Bank
Recognizes an employer that maintains a formal workplace volunteer program and a corporate culture that inspires and equips employees to volunteer and make an impact in their communities. Charitable donations and fundraising are not considered a volunteer activity for the purpose of this award.
As one of only a few Certified B Corp banks in the United States, Androscoggin Bank has built a culture where volunteerism is central to its mission and commitment of creating lasting community impact. By providing employees with 24 hours of paid volunteer time annually and organizing initiatives like Greater Giving Days, the bank empowers its staff to serve in meaningful, hands-on ways across Maine.
Moreover, this commitment has led to significant growth in impact, with employees contributing 5,824 volunteer hours in 2025 and supporting an estimated 40,000 individuals through partnerships with 179 nonprofit organizations. From food security efforts to workforce support, employees regularly volunteer on the front lines—serving meals, stocking pantries, assisting with job applications—while also offering professional expertise in areas like HR, IT, and marketing.
Consistently over time, partner organizations highlight the depth of this support. A Lewiston community center describes the bank as essential to sustaining services such as the soup kitchen, food pantry, diaper bank, and immigrant integration programs, noting both the hands-on volunteerism and behind-the-scenes expertise provided by staff. Similarly, Safe Voices, serving survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking across Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties, emphasizes that Androscoggin Bank’s support helps ensure access to critical services and advocacy for those on a path toward safety and healing.
Beyond volunteer hours, the bank’s employees serve as engaged leaders—contributing on nonprofit boards and committees, strengthening organizational capacity, and deepening community connections. In recognition of this extraordinary partnership, Androscoggin Bank was named Corporate Partner of the Year by one partner organization in 2024.
Through sustained service, leadership, and compassion, Androscoggin Bank’s volunteer team exemplifies the power of business to build safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
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