Insight Archive

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society: Serving the Community’s Animals

For 110 years, Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society (Lucy Mackenzie) has provided care for animals in West Windsor, Vermont.

MoonRise Therapeutics, located in Woodstock, Vermont, was founded in 2017 by a dedicated team of mental health professionals and horse specialists who shared a vision of compassionate, nature-connected care.

Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) was founded in 1965 to support the community around the systemic issues of poverty. It is one of five community action agencies in Vermont that were put in place to be responsive to local needs.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the Benn High project, a rehabilitation of the former Bennington High School into a mixed-use development that includes affordable housing, a childcare facility, a fitness and wellness facility, and community space.

The Center for New Beginnings (The Center) was founded in Littleton, NH, in 1985 as a psychotherapy provider for the North Country of New Hampshire.

The Janet S. Munt Family Room (The Family Room), located on Allen Street in Burlington, supports families and children in Chittenden County. The Family Room was founded in 1988 as a program of the visiting nurse association and became independent in 2017.

Everybody Wins! Vermont is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Since opening its first two locations in October of 2000, Everybody Wins! Vermont has become the largest mentoring organization in the state. Everybody Wins! Vermont recruits, trains, and supervises adult reading mentors who are matched one-on-one with children. These mentors go into schools and read

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine (BBBSSM) was founded in 1995 as a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship to kids ages 7-17. Through one-on-one mentoring, BBBSSM has changed the lives of many kids and their families. “BBBSSM is a great organization, and I am a huge fan of their work in the community,” says

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) announced the successful closing of a New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing transaction in support of GreenSource Fabrication LLC, a subsidiary of Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $9 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the redevelopment of the DyeWorks Building, a historic mill building in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The revitalization of the DyeWorks Building marks a significant milestone in community development and urban renewal.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $13 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the expansion of Weidmann Electrical Technology, Inc. in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The project is needed to support higher levels of demand for large power transformer insulation and to create pathways for career advancement

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce an award of $60 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

In 2024, the Mascoma Bank mortgage lending team worked together with customers and community partners to break a record with $151,724 in grant money secured for customers’ down payments, ensuring that five first-time homebuyers in Vermont and New Hampshire could move into their new homes.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction of a new peanut shelling facility in Santee, South Carolina.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance an expansion and equipment upgrade at Bongards’ Creameries (Bongards) cheese and whey processing facility in Perham, Minnesota.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce an award of $50 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a science and nature museum located on the Burlington, Vermont, waterfront. ECHO’s dedicated team is continually working toward their mission of “inspiring and engaging families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain.”

The mission of the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum (MKIM), located in Warner, New Hampshire, is to serve as “a living center for artistic expression, traditional values, and contributions from past and contemporary Native life.”

Portland Community Squash (PCS) was established in 2013 as a volunteer organization with the goal of pairing squash with academics for an enriching after-school experience for students in the Portland area.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $8 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to refinance the acquisition of land purchased from the City of Owatonna, Minnesota, and finance the building construction costs for a 47,728-square-foot industrial manufacturing facility.

Turning Points Network (TPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, located in Claremont and Newport, New Hampshire, and serving all of Sullivan County.

On June 15, 2023, Evernorth closed its fourth multi-investor fund—Housing New England, Fund IV. This fund will provide equity to finance affordable housing in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Mascoma Bank is pleased to announce that Kelly Dorsey has been hired as Senior Vice President and Treasury & Business Services Manager.

The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (CSC) is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides access, education, and recreation on Lake Champlain for almost 8,000 people every year.

Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) (originally known as the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped) was established in Denver, Colorado, in 1974 by Dr. Larry Coffee. The organization’s goal was to provide oral healthcare to people with developmental disabilities, a population whose oral health had often been neglected.

Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), originally known as the Midcoast Fishermen’s Association, was established in 2006 in Port Clyde, Maine, by a group of fishermen seeking a way to advocate for policies that supported their businesses and ways of life.

Mascoma Bank is pleased to announce that Ryan Bishop has been hired as Senior Vice President Managing Director, Mascoma Community Development (MCD). MCD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mascoma Bank and a registered community development entity (CDE).

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the purchase and installation of equipment and machinery for an 80,000-square-foot industrial manufacturing facility in non-metropolitan Defiance, Ohio.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $10 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the purchase and installation of equipment as part of the expansion of an industrial manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan.

Mascoma Bank and its community development lending group is pleased to announce that it has provided $1,950,000 of permanent funding for the newly constructed Heater Landing Apartments (Heater Landing LP).

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce an award of $55 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $10 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction of a 200,000-square-foot headquarters, including manufacturing and warehouse facility and equipment procurement, for Climate by Design International, LLC (CDI) in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the closing of $15 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction and operation of a 177,000 square-foot food product distribution center for Dot Foods, Inc. in Manchester, Tennessee.

On September 8, 2022, Mascoma Community Development (MCD) announced the closing of $18 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation to finance the acquisition and new construction of a 25,800 square-foot automobile dealership, training center, and community meeting space available at no cost to nonprofit organizations in Concord, New Hampshire.

For 30 years, the Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC) has worked hard to build bridges of support for children, families, and caregivers in the state of Vermont.

MaineWorks opened its doors in 2010 as an innovative employment company designed to provide jobs to those facing workforce re-entry barriers.

At Mascoma Bank, we know that mental health is a crucial part of a person’s well-being. That’s why we support the community-based nonprofit SafeArt, which uses creative expression and various art mediums to help people work toward wellness.

Within the last year, the Portland, Maine-based team for Mascoma Bank has grown from two to six members. Two of those six members, Andrew Cook and Amberlynn Esperanza, have recently transitioned into volunteer leadership roles with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce (PRCC).

This year, Lund celebrates its 132nd year of championing families across the state of Vermont.

The year 2013 was a tough one for the Hartford community—three young people died by suicide. One positive thing to come out of such tragedy was the creation of Hartford Community Coalition (HCC).

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce a $20 million New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to finance the construction of a new manufacturing and warehouse facility for Tropical Products Inc.’s water-based personal care, home care, and pet care products in Salem, Massachusetts.

On March 16, 2022, Mascoma Community Development announced $7 million in New Markets Tax Credits funding for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

We asked our Mascoma Mortgage lending team for their best pieces of advice to give to someone who is hoping to buy a home.

We asked our Mortgage Lending team for some advice they give to people who are on the road to owning a home about making the process easier.

We asked our Mortgage Lending team some of things they share with first time homebuyers.

We asked our Mascoma Mortgage lending team to answer a few questions to help demystify the mortgage closing process.

Let's Grow Kids addresses Vermont's child care crisis

At the end of 2021, Mascoma Bank contributed more than $285,000 to area nonprofit organizations in an effort to meet some of the area’s biggest needs.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is pleased to announce the successful closing of $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to support the redevelopment of a former paper mill into a wood fiber insulation manufacturing facility in Madison, Maine. Operated by GO Lab Inc., a company founded in 2017 to develop and manufacture innovative

TLC Family Resource Center (TLC) imagines a place where every child and every family can enjoy economic, physical, social, and spiritual security. Their mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children, youth, and families in Sullivan and Lower Grafton Counties. Located in Claremont, New Hampshire, the nonprofit accomplishes their mission through four

Mascoma Bank and its Community Development Lending Group is pleased to announce that it has provided Federal Historic Tax Credit bridge and construction funding for the rehabilitation of the historic Monadnock Mills building in downtown Claremont, NH.

Mascoma Community Development (MCD) is proud to announce being awarded $60 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) authority from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund.

Second Growth‘s mission begins with the overarching goal of reducing substance misuse and violence for adolescents. This organization provides clinical counseling in their offices, and trainings, group support, and prevention education in local schools and community settings. The emphasis is on developing resiliency skills to help area youth safely navigate adolescence. Founded in August 2000,

AHEAD Affordable Housing Education & Development

AHEAD (Affordable Housing, Education, and Development), a certified nonprofit located in Littleton, New Hampshire, is fighting hard to put an end to homelessness and generational poverty in the North Country. Through their initiatives, they have been able to create safe and affordable housing as part of an effort to rebuild lives and communities. With over

White Mountains Community College (WMCC) wants to help students follow their passions into careers, and in the process, aims to redefine what student support and success looks like.

On June 25, Mascoma Bank’s B Corp Environment Impact Team hosted its first Waste Characterization Day. In an effort to reduce the Bank’s impact on the environment, the team’s long-term goal is for the Bank to be zero waste. To get there, we first needed to understand what—exactly—is in the waste. A team of courageous

The Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire, is a place where art and culture come together. In 2021, the theatre marks its 56th anniversary with live professional performances ranging from popular crowd-pleasers like Hello Dolly!, The Addams Family, and American Idiot to new works from young playwrights. Focusing on the local community and the broader

Ready for some baseball? The Upper Valley Nighthawks are back for an exciting 2021 season. This nonprofit baseball team brings outstanding collegiate baseball players from across the country to the Upper Valley for a chance to compete in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The team will play approximately 44 games in the regular season

Outright Vermont is committed to building a Vermont where all youth have hope, equity, and power. The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey of middle and high school-aged students underscores the fact that having supportive adults and an inclusive community is critical for the mental health of LGBTQ+ children and teens. It’s not difficult to understand

Mascoma Bank has been a longtime supporter of Monadnock Family Services (MFS), including serving as a lead sponsor for their “Men Who Cook” fundraising event in support of America Reads, a program that connects senior volunteers with children to help improve their reading skills. However, what MFS does goes far beyond that one program—they truly

Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB) provides affordable, quality health care to all who need it, regardless of financial status or life circumstances.

In August, Mascoma Bank sponsored Burlington, Vermont’s Intervale Center and their annual fundraiser, which celebrates Vermont’s vibrant food system and our community of talented farmers, chefs, and supporters.

We asked Pete Begin, VP Senior Security and Fraud Prevention Officer, for his top tips on protecting your identity and your finances.

Mascoma Bank supported the Humane Society of Chittenden County’s (HSCC) by sponsoring two of their major fundraising events in 2020: Purrrses for Paws (an auction event featuring purses) and their first-ever virtual Walk & 5K. Mascoma’s sponsorship supported HSCC’s Annual Campaign, which funds everything from day-to-day operations to emergency veterinary care. In addition to rehoming

Generator is a design and fabrication sandbox in the heart of Burlington, Vermont’s South End Arts and Business district. Its makerspace is a combination of artist studios, classrooms, and business incubator at the intersection of art, science, and technology. They provide the tools, expertise, education, and opportunity that empowers community members to create, collaborate, and

Mascoma Bank has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Summer BBQ schedule for the safety and well-being of our community and team members. For Mascoma Bank team members, the BBQs are a highlight of the summer. We get to spend time outside and quite literally serve our neighbors.

As we all attempt to navigate our new reality and make accommodations to open up for more extensive face-to-face business operations, safety and the health of our community are still our top priorities. We’d like to share some of the measures we are taking and requests we are making here at Mascoma Bank to keep

It might seem as though the right way to invest is to find the perfect stock, bond, or mutual fund and make that your investment of choice. However, no single investment—or type of investment—provides a strong return year in and year out. That’s why you need to diversify your investments and perform regular check-ins to

The benefits of music and music education to the growing minds of young people are backed by decades of research. But music programs, along with all the arts, are often among the first to be cut in order to trim a school budget. At Mascoma Bank, we take pride in our mission to be a

Mascoma Bank team members are a special bunch. You’ll find an array of talents, experience, backgrounds—and that certain something that’s hard to describe but which embodies the spirit of Mascoma Bank.

Do you have children heading to college next year? Have you filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? There’s still time—but not much!

Even if you have a great handle on your finances, unexpected challenges such as losing a job, dealing with an injury or illness, or having to help a family member in need can threaten your financial stability. It doesn’t take much to throw your monthly budget off track.

In 2016, Mascoma Bank started the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation®, and two years later we celebrated the completion of this process and our official status as a B Corp.

Making money, and spending it, is a part of everyday financial life.

Devising and maintaining a practical, workable budget is the foundation of your financial well-being. Whether you are on your own or have a partner or family, it is an essential starting point.

Mascoma Bank is thrilled to announce that we were honored with the American Psychological Association’s 2019 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a ceremony on March 28 in Washington, DC.

The end of the year is often seen as a time to give to those in need, whether it’s through monetary support or showing up to volunteer. How can you make the most impact this season as you decide where your resources should go?

Online shopping has become a daily reality for many of us. In fact, U.S. shoppers spent $126 billion on online shopping during the 2018 holiday season. That’s a lot of opportunity for deals—and security downfalls. While online shopping is easy and efficient, you want to practice the best safety habits to ensure you aren’t giving the

At Mascoma Bank, we believe that the importance of art and the value of its creation goes far beyond anything displayed on walls or a stage. That’s why we are proud to be a longtime supporter of SafeArt, a community-based organization that uses the expressive arts as tools to support mental health and overall well-being.

It’s no secret that the cost of a college education has grown over time. Finding ways to pay for college that don’t involve borrowing has become ever more important to students and their families.

If you’re a theater lover, and you’re new to the Upper Valley, you might think you have to trek to Boston or New York to meet your live theater needs.

It’s almost impossible to imagine life without electronic devices. How would you keep in touch with your friends, listen to music, watch movies, buy tickets, make payments, or find the information you need without your phone, tablet, or computer? But as essential as your devices are to the way you live, using them can also

At Mascoma Bank, we believe that every member of our community should have opportunities to experience the arts and humanities, as an audience member, participant, and/or creator.

October is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month! At Mascoma Bank, we are firm believers in giving back to the communities in which we serve, and that means ALL members of the community—including those with fur, feathers, and scales.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Here at Mascoma Bank, we take security very seriously and that starts with educating our customers and being ready to help them spot potential fraud. Internally, our team uses a program we call Know Your Customer to help us understand your bank habits and be ready to step in

Keeping track of your credit score is a crucial piece of maintaining your financial well-being. Your credit score is like getting a grade for all the good work you’re doing with your finances—or it can serve as a reminder that you could be doing better.

As a certified B Corp, Mascoma Bank is part of the global movement to use business as a force for good. But what does that mean? How can business be a force for good? The Vermont Employee Ownership Center is a prime example of how businesses can have a positive impact in the real world,

Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music sits on 100 pastoral acres in the small New Hampshire town of Nelson. Originally a sheep farm, the location was acquired in 1971 by Boston area-based cellist and music teacher Gene Rosov, who had a dream to start a music camp for his students.

Music is a collaborative art. People who play music together learn to work together and form the connections that result in strong communities. At Mascoma Bank, working to promote strong communities is an important part of who we are. That means, supporting organizations like the Upper Valley Music Center aligns perfectly with our philosophy.

Have you ever been scammed? Or wondered if someone is trying to scam you? You’re certainly not alone. According to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, in 2018, nearly 3 million reports of fraud and identity theft were made to the Federal Trade Commission, resulting in a loss of nearly $1.48 billion.

Small town living can be delightful, but for some people, it might not be the right fit.

Rising in the town of Cabot in Washington County, Vermont, the Winooski River flows westward across half the state, winding its way through Colchester, Winooski, and Burlington on its approach to Lake Champlain. From above, it looks like a ribbon tossed upon the land.

At Mascoma Bank, one of our most important goals is to be a force for positive change. No less an authority than Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” If that’s true, the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is making us

Preparing to purchase your first home can be daunting. Make sure you’re ready by asking yourself these five questions first.

How much do you depend on your smartphone, iPad, laptop, or tablet? If any one of those devices stopped working right now, just how far up a creek without a paddle would you be? Does the thought alone make you break out in a cold sweat?

From Thanksgiving through New Years, many of us throw caution to the wind. We spend more and we eat more, and even now, many of us are recovering from all that excess.

Between work and home, do you have any idea how many emails drop into your inbox each and every day? More than 10 but less than 50? More than 100? A number so high you don’t even want to know what it is?

So the snow came early this year, and it just keeps coming. No doubt a fair number of you are now daydreaming about vacations in Florida or New Mexico, maybe checking out rentals on Airbnb or Trivago.

Right about this time of year, all you avid snowboarders and skiers in the Keene area are doing the same thing. You’re hoping winter comes early, drops tons of snow, and stays as long as possible, at least through April, maybe even into May.

Mascoma Bank has a long history of commitment to both its employees and its communities, and this commitment continues to grow with time. And now, these efforts are being recognized.

Having a good credit score is imperative to anyone applying for a mortgage. Learn what might be bringing down your score.

It was not so many years ago that you paid your bills with a checkbook and a roll of stamps. Buying or selling stocks required picking up a landline telephone and talking to your broker. If you wanted to transfer money from your checking account to your savings account, you went to the bank.

The Upper Valley can be an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s always another mountain to climb, a lake to swim in, a river to paddle down, a mountain trail to bike on. But the Upper Valley has plenty of indoor attractions, too, as well as places that offer a great indoor/outdoor combination.

If saving were as easy as spending, we’d all be sitting on nest eggs the size of mountains. Unfortunately, most Americans struggle to save, and many carry more than $10,000 in debt on their credit cards.

The days seem long gone when kids could work summer jobs and save up enough money to pay a substantial portion—if not all—of their college tuition. Today, students borrow tens of thousands of dollars to cover the cost of their college degrees, and it seems the price tag is only going to go up.

Trees abound in the northeast. Their beauty is one of the natural features that draws people to the area and makes them want to put down roots of their own.

For many homeowners, having a covered front porch might seem like a luxury. The added expense of a covered porch stretches the budget, whether you are building new or renovating—is it worth it?

No, you’re not back at school. We’re talking about the final grading of your land, done with bulldozers and other heavy equipment after your home is complete!

When you buy land to build a house from the ground up, you discover a world of stuff to think about. And one of the first and most important things? Sewage.

To plan your ideal home and watch it come into being is a pretty amazing process. And there’s probably nothing like the topic of sewage to burst that happy bubble where you daydream about your new home.

All builders have two documents that guide them when building a house: the plans and the specifications. In a perfect world, those two documents seamlessly mesh together and support one another.

Building a house is a complex process! You might be new to a lot of the terminology used by contractors and subcontractors.

You bought some land, and you’re ready to move ahead with building a house. Now what you need is a plan! A house plan, that is.

Building a house from scratch is a tremendous undertaking. It requires you to make a seemingly endless parade of decisions about things you might not have thought much about before. One area of confusion for first-time home builders can be the difference between the house plans and the specifications.

If you’re building a house, you have to have a plan—a set of scaled drawings and written specifications that will guide virtually every aspect of construction.

INSIGHT Investing in the Community: Mascoma Community Development

Learn how Mascoma Community Development helped drive economic revitalization in Berlin, New Hampshire’s steel industry and assisted in putting more than a hundred local residents back to work.

When you build a new house or undertake a major home renovation, you spend a lot of time with builders and contractors. How can you be sure you’re getting the best person for the job?

Moving to a new neighborhood? Here’s how to find your new community.

Paying off two mortgages can be a huge financial burden. Here are five ways to make it more manageable.

Many Americans want to continue living in their homes as they age. Doing so takes a lot of planning, however, and maybe a few renovations.

Credit counseling can be a long process, but it is one of the best ways to get your finances in order and put yourself and your family in a position where you can build wealth and improve your credit scores.

Home renovations can add value to a home, but you need to choose your project carefully.

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting events, and we’re always honored to be a part of it!

Learn about how banks calculate your debt-to-income ratio and how this number affects your ability to get a mortgage.