(Leominster, Mass.)—As part of a year-long celebration recognizing 20 years of Fidelity Bank’s LifeDesign banking approach of providing clarity, confidence and care, the bank recently awarded $20,000 in grants to help local non-profit organizations get where they want to be through its “$20K Community Giveaway” program.

As part of the program, local non-profits were nominated by the bank’s clients and the community for a chance at winning one of five awards from Fidelity Bank, totaling $20,000. The winners were determined by the highest number of votes received.

Of the 12 local non-profits nominated for the program, five received the most votes:

First Place ($10,000 grant): Needham Education Foundation

Second Place ($5,000 grant): Winchendon Community Action Council

Third Place ($3,000 grant): Second Chance Animal Services

Runners-Up ($1,000 grant each): Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden

“We are so excited and honored to take the top spot in Fidelity Bank’s $20K Community Giveaway,” said Sarah Winig, administrative director, Needham Education Foundation. “These funds will be immensely helpful, particularly this year as we are embarking 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.”

The finalists included Abby’s House, Centro Celeste, Fab 5, Ginny’s Helping Hand, Listening Wellness Center, Montachusett Veteran’s Outreach Center, NEADS World Class Service Dogs, Needham Education Foundation, Second Chance Animal Services, the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, Why Me & Sherry’s House, and Winchendon Community Action Council.

The LifeDesign banking promise is focused on a unique four-step C.A.R.E. methodology that includes connecting, analyzing, recommending, and executing a plan to help clients accomplish their goals and help make sound decisions about their lives, their businesses, and their families.

“As we continue to celebrate our 20^th year of providing the LifeDesign promise to those we serve, we wanted to continue our mission of giving back to those in our community. Many thanks to our clients and community for sharing their thoughts and voting for their favorite non-profits, allowing us to learn more about the organizations they hold closest to their hearts,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “We have a very caring community and the show of support for all 12 finalists is heartwarming. We are honored to do our part to support their work.”