Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Employee-Driven Charitable Giving Program Presents More than $24,000 in Donations to Nine Nonprofit Organizations Serving Northern New England

Bar Harbor, Maine (September 10, 2025) - Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $24,000 in donations collected through the Bank's employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to nine organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the second quarter of 2025 are:

• Maine
• • Families First Community Center
  • The Genesis Fund
  • Island Workforce Housing
  • Maine Farmland Trust
  • YWCA Mount Desert Island
• New Hampshire
• • New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
  • Upper Valley Haven
• Vermont
• • Randolph Fish & Game Club
  • Vermont Campership Fund

Casual for a Cause participants dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The program participants then vote on which community organizations will receive the funds collected the previous quarter. More than $416,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.

"Casual for a Cause is a fun a way to for employees, and the Bank, to make a powerful statement each quarter: Our communities truly matter to us," said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. "My colleagues' ongoing and enthusiastic generosity, and their commitment to giving together, continues to have a positive impact on nonprofit organizations and the people they serve in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont."

Recipients of Q2 2025 Donations

Maine

Families First Community Center

The Families First Community Center (FFCC) offers residential and outreach programs that families with children experiencing homelessness in Hancock County. The organization seeks to break the cycle of homelessness by equipping families with minor children with the skills they need to gain self-sufficiency. Learn more at familiesfirstellsworth.org.

"Thank you to the team at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for believing in FFCC's mission and the families we serve," said Shaina Fraser, Executive Director of Families First Community Center. "Your support helps us continue providing meaningful, individualized support to families experiencing homelessness - empowering them with the tools, resources, and community they need to rebuild their lives. Because of gifts like yours, we're able to give families a hand-up."

The Genesis Fund

The Genesis Fund works throughout Maine and Northern New England to make flexible loans, deliver expert project guidance, and promote policy solutions and systemic change. The organization offers impact investing for individuals and institutions to move resources that help communities overcome barriers to opportunity and prosperity. Learn more at genesisfund.org.

"We're honored that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees who care deeply about their communities have chosen to make this gift to Genesis," said Liza Fleming-Ives, Executive Director of Genesis. "They are supporting their neighbors across Maine by contributing to our work making loans and providing guidance to expand access to affordable housing, childcare, healthcare, and other community essentials. We're truly grateful for their partnership."

Island Workforce Housing

Island Workforce Housing seeks to create housing solutions in Deer Isle and Stonington that are permanently affordable to individuals and families working in these communities. The organization offers housing opportunities with income-based rents that range from $700-$1,300 per month, depending on household size and income. Learn more at islandworkforcehousing.org.

"Island Workforce Housing is so very grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for selecting us as a recipient of their generosity through the Casual for a Cause Program. Your gift will support the next phase of permanently affordable workforce housing that we hope to build in Stonington this next year," said Pamela Dewell, Executive Director of Island Workforce Housing. "I am excited to say that your gift will be matched one-to-one by our Board of Directors who have pledged to match gifts from island businesses up to a total of $50,000! Thank you so very much for being such thoughtful members of our island community."

Maine Farmland Trust

The Maine Farmland Trust protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming in Maine. Its goal is to keep agricultural lands working and help farmers and their communities thrive, including a Farm Network of over 500 farms that includes nearly 300 protected farms across the state. Learn more at mainefarmlandtrust.org.

"Thank you to the generous employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their donation. At Maine Farmland Trust, community support like theirs is fundamental to protecting farmland and supporting farmers across the state, and together, we can grow a more vibrant future for Maine's agricultural economy," said Stacy Brenner, President and CEO of the Maine Farmland Trust.

YWCA Mount Desert Island

The YWCA of Mount Desert Island is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization seeks to do so through programs that offer affordable accommodations, encourage growth and development, promote self-confidence and pride, educational opportunities, and assist women to attain economic and political influence and leadership in the community. Learn more at ywcamdi.org.

"We're so grateful to the employees who chose YWCA MDI to receive funds from the Casual for a Cause program. And, to the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for offering the opportunity," said Jackie Davidson, Executive Director of YWCA of MDI. "This donation will be most helpful as we continue our work of providing safe & affordable lodging to women, and working with counselors in the area to make funds available for women who need these services."

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund

The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund provides people and communities with loans, coaching, and guidance that enables them to become economically secure. To date, the Community Loan Fund has provided more than 500,000 hours of coaching and guidance, and driven impact with more than $483 million in loans. Learn more at communityloanfund.org.

"When individuals and organizations like Bar Harbor Bank & Trust donate to the Community Loan Fund, they're providing loans, long-term coaching, and customized guidance that helps our neighbors realize their American Dream," said Steve Saltzman, President and CEO of the Community Loan Fund. "Every dollar makes a difference as we continue to work toward a future where all people have access to the resources they need to live prosperous lives."

Upper Valley Haven

The Upper Valley Haven seeks to help create a community where people find hope and discover possibility. The organization assists those who are experiencing poverty to be free from hunger, to be securely housed, and to pursue a self-directed life. Learn more at uppervalleyhaven.org.

"We are deeply grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for the generous support of the Upper Valley Haven," said Laura Gillespie, Director of Development and Communications at the Upper Valley Haven. "Your commitment helps ensure that local individuals and families striving to make ends meet in a complex and challenging world can access essential resources, compassionate support, and the tools to move forward. Thank you for standing with us as a trusted partner in building a more resilient and caring Upper Valley."

Vermont

Randolph Fish & Game Club

Established in 1933, the Randolph Fish & Game Club is the oldest continuously active club of its kind in the state of Vermont. The club is one of the state's most active in teaching hunter safety courses, and it maintains nearly 200 acres across three locations in central Vermont. Learn more at rfgcvt.com.

"The Randolph Fish and Game Club is proud to promote land conservation and firearm safety as core values of our organization. We're inspired by the impact of partners like Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, whose support empowers local programs, from youth fishing programs to giving kids access to summer camp experiences," said Jason Gravel, President of the Randolph Fish & Game Club. "Their generosity reminds us of the importance of programs like the Green Mountain Conservation Camp, which teaches youth about wildlife, ecology, and safe firearm use."

Vermont Campership Fund

The Vermont Campership Fund believes that all youth should have the opportunity to attend camp and provides "camperships"- its term for summer camp scholarships granted to qualifying children. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust's donation will benefit youth with financial need who attend the Lotus Lake Day Camp in Williamstown, Vermont. Learn more at vtcampership.org.

"Lotus Lake Camp relies on donations from our community to make sure that anyone who wants to come to camp is able to," said Beth Allen, a board member at the Vermont Campership Fund. "We think that being outdoors, learning skills, making friends, and being unplugged is a wonderful way for children to spend the summer. Thanks to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for recognizing this with a generous donation."

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating more than 60 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has more than $4 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit https://www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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