Fidelity Bank announced its 2023 LifeDesign Community Dividend completed the year with a record of nearly $500,000 donated to more than 250 organizations, events, and charitable endeavors throughout the communities the bank serves in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.

The LifeDesign Community Dividend provides funding to support local nonprofit organizations that directly impact and benefit the communities in Fidelity Bank service areas. Eligible programs include those that support inclusion and diversity, culture and arts, elder services, and youth programming, among others.

“These community investments are at the core of Fidelity’s LifeDesign banking brand promise,” said Ed Manzi Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “Focusing on care, clarity and confidence, our Community Dividend supports the communities that support us, while also providing funding to ensure organizations continue providing important services needed to help our communities thrive.”

Organizations receiving contributions in 2023 included the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster & Gardner, City of Gardner’s 100^ta Anniversary, Ginny’s Helping Hand and Food Pantry, Girls Inc. of Worcester, Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Needham Education Foundation, Shine Initiative, and the Spanish American Community Center, to name a few.

“The funds we received were immensely helpful, particularly as we embarked on a collaboration with the Needham Public Schools to bring transformative change to the district through equity-centered professional learning for their educators and administrators, in addition to the grants we fund for innovative educational programs in the schools,” said Sarah Winig, administrative director, Needham Education Foundation.

In addition to the many deserving organizations who received support through the Bank’s LifeDesign Community Dividend, more than 18,000 area residents received sweet treats from Fidelity’s Frosty Flyer ice cream truck last summer at over 100 local community and non-profit events, and banking center locations. Fidelity Bank colleagues also got involved with outreach in their communities by participating in more than 150 Random Acts of Care, including delivering meals to first responders in the days following the Leominster floods, donating supplies to animal shelters, purchasing backpacks and supplies for local youth, and donating winter hats and mittens to organizations serving the homeless.

“We love the communities we serve,” added Manzi. “It is truly a privilege to support community initiatives that help others, particularly in the areas where Fidelity Team Members live and work. It is a total team effort, done with true intention and gratitude.”

Since the program was renamed in 2013, the Fidelity LifeDesign Community Dividend has committed approximately $3.6 million to organizations in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.