Submitted by Lucas Fumiatti, Essex Bank
(July 16, 2026) — Essex Bank has awarded its July $1,851 pop-up grant to the historic Ivoryton Playhouse as part of its yearlong 175th-anniversary community giving campaign. The monthly grants match the exact year of Essex Bank’s founding. This latest gift focuses on local arts and culture, supporting the Connecticut shoreline’s vibrant creative community. “We are proud to support the Ivoryton Playhouse and the world-class theatre they bring to our community,” said Diane Arnold, President and CEO of Essex Bank. “Supporting our cultural landmarks is a great way to celebrate the generations of relationships that have shaped our bank over the past 175 years.”
Ivoryton Playhouse, celebrated as one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the nation, provides year-round professional performances, community events, and youth educational programs. Essex Bank will continue its pop-up grants with monthly nonprofit donations throughout the remainder of 2026.
Essex Bank has been a leading provider of financial services since 1851. Featuring six Bank branch locations, Essex Trust, and wholly owned subsidiary Essex Financial, Essex Bank empowers customers throughout the Connecticut Shoreline and River Valley. Essex Bank prides itself on safe banking practices, personalized service, and deep community investment. It was the first bank in the State of Connecticut to share profits with the community it serves, and each year-–through its Community Investment Program-–Essex Bank donates up to 10% of its after-tax net income to nonprofit organizations and community development projects. The Bank has also won numerous awards for its team and expertise, including the Best of the Shoreline, and is rated by Bauer Financial as a 5-Star institution. For more information, please visit www.essex.bank. Member FDIC – Equal Housing Lender
