First National Bank has launched the Dream First Community Grant, a new $5,000 funding opportunity supporting food security-related programming in the Maine communities the Bank serves. 

One eligible registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, municipality, or school will receive funding to launch a new initiative, expand a promising program, or strengthen an existing service. Applicants must serve residents in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, Penobscot or Washington County. 

"Reliable access to nutritious food helps individuals, families, and communities thrive," shared President and CEO, Tony McKim. "Through the Dream First Community Grant, we hope to help a local organization turn a thoughtful idea into meaningful action." 

Eligible projects may include mobile food distribution, backpack and weekend meal programs, school and youth nutrition initiatives, senior meal programs, community gardens, fresh produce access, community refrigerators, farm-to-food pantry partnerships, nutrition education, rural food-access programs, and innovative pilot projects focused on reducing hunger. 

Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and submit a completed application and project budget. Grant funds must be used exclusively for food security-related programming and may not be used for general operating expenses. 

Applications are open through Oct. 31. Applications will be reviewed in November, and the recipient will be announced in December. 

For eligibility details and the application, visit www.thefirst.com/dream-first-community-grant. 

For more information, please call 1-800-564-3195 or visit www.thefirst.com.