Submitted by Lucas Fumiatti, Essex Bank
(August 28, 2026) — The Essex Bank Board of Directors has allocated $69,500 to 22 organizations, continuing a program that began in 1995. As part of the Community Investment Program (CIP), contributions to participating nonprofits are voted on by the Bank’s Board of Directors. These donations advance Essex’s ongoing pledge to contribute up to 10% of its net after-tax profits to 501(c)(3) organizations.
President and CEO Lynn Giroux expressed great pride in sustaining their long-standing tradition of philanthropy, stating, “Uplifting the communities we serve remains at the core of our mission. As we build on 175 years in business, we remain deeply invested in providing the resources necessary to drive meaningful progress for our neighbors and their respective missions.”
The grant recipients are as follows:
Camp Hazen YMCA, Chester Historical Society, Connecticut River Museum, Essex Garden Club, Essex Lions Charities, Essex Winter Series, Estuary Council of Seniors, Goodspeed Opera House Foundation (Goodspeed Musicals), HOPE Partnership (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere), Ivoryton Library Association, Ivoryton Playhouse, The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of Connecticut, Middlesex Health, Middlesex United Way, Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, Rotary Club of Essex Foundation, The Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and Valley Shore YMCA.
To date, Essex Bank has donated more than $6.6 million through various initiatives within the Community Investment Program.
Essex Bank is 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 netincome to nonprofit organizations and community development projects. The Bank has also wonnumerous awards for its team and expertise, including the Best of the Shoreline, and is rated byBauer Financial as a 5-Star institution. For more information, please visit www.essex.bank.Essex Bank: Member FDIC.
