Nonprofits Receiving Funding as part of $25 Million Investment, with More Planned in Future Funding Rounds
Vermont Business Magazine The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, today announced Amplify Fund grant recipients in Vermont, totaling $350,000 committed to four non-profit organizations focused on environmental justice.
First announced in May 2022, the Amplify Fund is a $25 million philanthropic investment as part of the merger between People’s United Bank and M&T Bank. Powered by the M&T Charitable Foundation, the Amplify Fund is a one-time supplemental charitable program to provide further support in the legacy People's United communities throughout New England and New York, to benefit low- and moderate-income communities and underrepresented populations using a racial equity and justice lens.
Amplify Fund grant recipients were selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Phase one was devoted to organizations working to address environmental justice and equity in communities across Vermont. Providing funding for groups focused on sustainability and improving the environment is vital for the future of the markets in which M&T Bank operates and beyond.
Priority was given to applicants that most clearly articulated the needs to be addressed, the strategies to be employed in response to those needs, and a plan to demonstrate the effectiveness of those strategies.
The following Vermont nonprofit organizations received grants in this first phase:
• 350 Vermont
• Audubon Vermont
• Intervale Center
• Vermont Natural Resources Council
“The Amplify Fund exemplifies our priorities of investing in underrepresented communities and empowering our neighbors to achieve their dreams,” said Dominique Goss, Executive Director of the M&T Charitable Foundation. “It is important to us to approach this initiative through an equitable lens; and M&T is so proud to support the incredible organizations doing critical on-the-ground work that truly makes a difference for so many people.”
Brian Shupe, Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council said: “We are grateful for the funding awarded by M&T Bank's Amplify Fund to support our advocacy for policies that protect Vermonters’ health by reducing exposure to PFAS and other hazardous chemicals, holding polluters accountable for harm caused by the toxic chemicals they release, and ensuring all Vermonters have access to clean and safe water and affordable opportunities to transition away from our reliance on fossil fuels to heat our homes and move around the state."
The Amplify Fund is designed to drive sustainable impact that is equitable, accessible and responsive to local needs. Regional representatives of the bank will continue to meet with local leaders to help inform the strategic direction for the future of the Fund’s giving efforts in 2023 and beyond.
For more information on the Amplify Fund, including the full list of grant recipients in New England and Metro New York, please visit the Amplify Fund website.
About the M&T Charitable Foundation
The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and funded by M&T Bank. The M&T Charitable Foundation awards over $40 million in grants per year to thousands of nonprofit organizations focused on improving the quality of life in the areas the bank serves.
About M&T Bank
M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.
Source: 5.4.2023. Burlington, VT – The M&T Charitable Foundation
