A Legacy of Local Giving: 2025 Philanthropy and Community Support

In 2025, Ascend Bank continued to strengthen its deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve, marking another year of meaningful impact, engagement, and support. Our dedication was demonstrated through significant financial contributions, employee volunteerism, and strong partnerships that uplift local organizations and the people they serve. 

Ascend Bank’s commitment to philanthropy was reflected in more than $326,000 in direct community support, including $135,000 in community foundation grants and $27,000 in scholarships for higher education. Reflecting our culture of generosity, Ascend Bank employees personally contributed $9,275 to a variety of meaningful causes—funds the bank proudly matched with an additional $15,000, amplifying the impact of their collective giving. 

Beyond financial support, our employees remained at the heart of community service. In 2025, Ascend Bank team members served on 65 nonprofit boards, offering leadership and expertise to organizations working to fulfill important missions across the region. Volunteerism continued to be a cornerstone of our culture, with employees participating in hands-on service through initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity builds, key programs with The Arthritis Foundation, Saint Martin de Porres Academy, Women & Family Life Center, New Reach, Columbus House, the SARAH Foundation, and many additional community organizations. 

Ascend Bank also maintained its longstanding partnerships with community foundations across Branford, Guilford, Madison, and Middlesex County. The endowment funds established at each of these foundations help extend our reach and provide impactful support to nonprofit organizations working every day to strengthen the communities we call home. 

Expanding Our Community Support 

In 2025, Ascend Bank marked a defining moment in its history by expanding into the Eastern Connecticut market through a merger with Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank — a move driven by a commitment to partnership, and service to this vital part of the state. As part of this transition, Ascend Bank and the Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank Foundation proudly donated more than $152,000 to local nonprofits, underscoring a shared belief that strong communities are built through consistent investment, collaboration, and care. From food security and senior support, to education, health services, and neighborhood enrichment, these grants uplifted the organizations that form the backbone of Eastern Connecticut’s well-being. 

As the Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank Foundation prepares to conclude its work, Ascend Bank is honored to carry forward its legacy of trust, generosity, and community partnership. With the continued dedication of local nonprofit partners, we’re committed to ensuring that its expansion into Greater Norwich Area creates lasting impact — strengthening connections, opening doors, and helping every neighbor and every community across the region rise together. 

2025 Community Giving by the Numbers 

• $326,130 donated to nonprofit organizations 

• $9,275 employee contributions 

• $15,000 in employee matches 

• 65 nonprofit board membership roles 

• $135,000 in Community Foundation grants 

• $27,000 in higher education scholarships 

• 170 community organizations supported 

Our continued investment in community engagement reflects our unwavering mission to support and uplift the places where we live and work. By providing financial resources, hands-on volunteerism, and strategic partnerships to nonprofits across Connecticut, we are proud to help strengthen the vibrant and diverse nonprofit ecosystem that enriches our communities. As we look ahead, Ascend Bank remains dedicated to deepening our impact and fostering a culture of generosity, service, and lasting community enrichment.