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PEOPLE’S UNITED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $3,500 TO MAINE’S ISLAND INSTITUTE

March 4, 2016

PORTLAND, ME – The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it has awarded $3,500 to Island Institute.

The Island Institute works to sustain Maine’s island and remote coastal communities and exchanges ideas and experiences to further the sustainability of such communities here and elsewhere.

The grant from People’s United Community Foundation will fund the Island Scholars Network, which provides support, guidance and advice to students and their parents regarding post-secondary educational options, the college transition, internships, and careers on the island. The award brings the total given by People’s United Community Foundation to the organization to more than $44,000.

“The Island Scholars Network offers guidance to island students and their families at a crucial point in their education - the onset of college,” said Karen Burns, Community Development Director at the Island Institute, “and the island scholars who take advantage of this program have a much higher college graduation rate than other students. Continued support from the People's United Community Foundation directly benefits not only these students, but island communities as a whole.”

“Island Institute understands that Maine’s year-round island communities face unique challenges and helps to ensure that they remain vibrant places to live and work,” stated Dan Thornton, Officer of People’s United Community Foundation and President of People’s United Bank in Maine.

Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. People’s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine through a network of more than 400 branches, is the largest independent bank headquartered in New England. The Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the Foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.