New Members
Foundation has awarded $240,000 to community organizations in 2026
and more than $3.8 million since 2005
FITCHBURG, Mass. (August 20, 2026) — In recognition of National Nonprofit Day, Rollstone Bank & Trust and the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation are celebrating the nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners whose work strengthens North Central Massachusetts and makes a difference in the lives of local residents.
For Rollstone Bank & Trust, being a community bank means knowing that where you matter most is in the communities you call home. As a mutual bank, Rollstone is owned not by outside shareholders, but by its depositors and the communities it serves. That structure allows the Bank to reinvest in those communities through charitable giving, community partnerships, and employee volunteerism—support made possible by the customers who choose to bank with Rollstone.
Since its inception in 2005, the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout North Central Massachusetts. In 2026 alone, the Foundation has committed $240,000 to organizations working across a broad range of needs, including arts and culture, human services, education, housing, environmental stewardship, and community support.
“Being where you matter most means being there for the people and organizations that make our communities stronger,” said Mary Beth Jokela, President and COO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Our nonprofit partners are doing important work every day to create opportunities, support families, preserve our community’s culture, and improve quality of life. Supporting that work isn’t separate from what we do as a bank—it is central to who we are.”
The Foundation’s most recent round of grants, approved at its June meeting, provides a snapshot of the breadth of its philanthropic focus with $41,000 awarded to 10 nonprofit and community organizations. Among the June recipients were the Fitchburg Art Museum and Montachusett Chorale, supporting the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community; North Star Family Services, Ginny’s Helping Hand, and Care Net PRC, providing vital support and resources to individuals and families; and North Middlesex High School, supporting educational opportunities for local students.
Additional grants support environmental stewardship through the Nashua River Watershed Association, the Twin Cities Rail Trail project through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, housing through Habitat for Humanity North Central MA, and energy assistance through the Mayor’s Energy Fund.
Together, these organizations reflect the many ways community needs intersect—and the many ways Rollstone Bank & Trust seeks to be there for the people and neighborhoods it serves.
Also in 2026, the Foundation provided $20,000 to thirteen local graduating high school seniors with its inaugural Opportunity Awards Scholarship Program. The funds were split between those attending Fitchburg State University this fall semester, and those transitioning directly into the workforce in their skilled trade. This program celebrates Rollstone Bank & Trust’s commitment to the future of its local workforce and the decision of students to pursue affordable higher education in Massachusetts.
The Foundation’s impact is part of a broader commitment to giving back. Together with its affiliated banks, Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, River Run contributed more than $1.6 million in charitable donations and grants in 2025, while employees volunteered nearly 8,162 hours in service to 562 organizations across the region.
“At Rollstone, we believe community banking is about more than where you do your banking—it’s about being part of something bigger,” Jokela added. “When our communities thrive, we all thrive. We’re proud to invest in the organizations and people who make North Central Massachusetts such a special place to live, work, and grow.”
The Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation welcomes grant requests from eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs and initiatives improve quality of life throughout North Central Massachusetts.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.
Media Contact:
Leanne M. Eastman
SVP, Community and Public Relations Director
LEastman@riverrun.com
and more than $3.8 million since 2005
FITCHBURG, Mass. (August 20, 2026) — In recognition of National Nonprofit Day, Rollstone Bank & Trust and the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation are celebrating the nonprofit organizations, schools, and community partners whose work strengthens North Central Massachusetts and makes a difference in the lives of local residents.
For Rollstone Bank & Trust, being a community bank means knowing that where you matter most is in the communities you call home. As a mutual bank, Rollstone is owned not by outside shareholders, but by its depositors and the communities it serves. That structure allows the Bank to reinvest in those communities through charitable giving, community partnerships, and employee volunteerism—support made possible by the customers who choose to bank with Rollstone.
Since its inception in 2005, the Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout North Central Massachusetts. In 2026 alone, the Foundation has committed $240,000 to organizations working across a broad range of needs, including arts and culture, human services, education, housing, environmental stewardship, and community support.
“Being where you matter most means being there for the people and organizations that make our communities stronger,” said Mary Beth Jokela, President and COO of Rollstone Bank & Trust. “Our nonprofit partners are doing important work every day to create opportunities, support families, preserve our community’s culture, and improve quality of life. Supporting that work isn’t separate from what we do as a bank—it is central to who we are.”
The Foundation’s most recent round of grants, approved at its June meeting, provides a snapshot of the breadth of its philanthropic focus with $41,000 awarded to 10 nonprofit and community organizations. Among the June recipients were the Fitchburg Art Museum and Montachusett Chorale, supporting the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community; North Star Family Services, Ginny’s Helping Hand, and Care Net PRC, providing vital support and resources to individuals and families; and North Middlesex High School, supporting educational opportunities for local students.
Additional grants support environmental stewardship through the Nashua River Watershed Association, the Twin Cities Rail Trail project through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, housing through Habitat for Humanity North Central MA, and energy assistance through the Mayor’s Energy Fund.
Together, these organizations reflect the many ways community needs intersect—and the many ways Rollstone Bank & Trust seeks to be there for the people and neighborhoods it serves.
Also in 2026, the Foundation provided $20,000 to thirteen local graduating high school seniors with its inaugural Opportunity Awards Scholarship Program. The funds were split between those attending Fitchburg State University this fall semester, and those transitioning directly into the workforce in their skilled trade. This program celebrates Rollstone Bank & Trust’s commitment to the future of its local workforce and the decision of students to pursue affordable higher education in Massachusetts.
The Foundation’s impact is part of a broader commitment to giving back. Together with its affiliated banks, Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, River Run contributed more than $1.6 million in charitable donations and grants in 2025, while employees volunteered nearly 8,162 hours in service to 562 organizations across the region.
“At Rollstone, we believe community banking is about more than where you do your banking—it’s about being part of something bigger,” Jokela added. “When our communities thrive, we all thrive. We’re proud to invest in the organizations and people who make North Central Massachusetts such a special place to live, work, and grow.”
The Rollstone Bank & Trust Charitable Foundation welcomes grant requests from eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs and initiatives improve quality of life throughout North Central Massachusetts.
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
Founded in 1846, Rollstone Bank & Trust is a trusted community banking partner committed to strengthening the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses throughout North Central Massachusetts. Headquartered in Fitchburg, MA, the Bank provides a full range of personal and business banking services through multiple community banking locations. Guided by a long-standing tradition of service, relationships, and local investment, Rollstone Bank & Trust is dedicated to helping communities thrive. Alongside Newburyport Bank and Pentucket Bank, Rollstone Bank & Trust is supported by River Run Bancorp, MHC. With collective assets of $3.6 billion, River Run ensures shared strength and resources in support of our banks and the communities they serve.
Media Contact:
Leanne M. Eastman
SVP, Community and Public Relations Director
LEastman@riverrun.com
