Monson Savings Bank-Nominated Organizations Receive $5,000 Grants Through Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation
Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank’s President and CEO (center), welcomed Kashawn Sanders, President and CEO of Follow My Steps Foundation (left), and Mickey Harris, Executive Director/CEO of Springfield Partners for Community Action (right), to Monson Savings Bank’s Loan and Operations Center.
Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce that two organizations it nominated for the Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation's 2025 Community Grants Program—Follow My Steps Foundation and Springfield Partners for Community Action—were selected to receive $5,000 grants in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote financial literacy and empower individuals and families throughout the region.
The Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation's annual grant program focuses on supporting organizations that provide financial education and literacy opportunities, helping individuals build the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve greater financial stability and long-term success.
As part of the grant recognition, representatives from Follow My Steps Foundation and Springfield Partners for Community Action visited Monson Savings Bank's Loan and Operations Center to receive their $5,000 grant awards from President and CEO Dan Moriarty. During the meetings, organization leaders shared insights into their missions, discussed the impact of their financial literacy initiatives, and highlighted how the funding will help expand programs that empower individuals and families throughout the community.
"Financial literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to help individuals and families build stronger futures," said Dan Moriarty, President and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. "We were honored to nominate both Follow My Steps Foundation and Springfield Partners for Community Action because of their demonstrated commitment to equipping people with the financial knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and achieve their goals. We congratulate both organizations on this well-deserved recognition and are proud to support their important work."
The Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation selected this year's grant recipients through a statewide nomination and review process involving member banks across Massachusetts. The Foundation's 2025 charitable giving campaign placed a special emphasis on supporting organizations whose programs align with the banking industry's commitment to advancing financial literacy.
Follow My Steps Foundation
Kashawn Sanders, President and CEO of Follow My Steps Foundation, joined Moriarty at Monson Savings Bank’s Loan and Operations Center to accept the grant award and share more about the organization's mission of empowering youth and young adults through education, mentorship, financial literacy, and life-skills development. During the visit, they discussed the positive impact their programs have on helping participants build confidence, set goals, and develop the tools needed for long-term personal and financial success.
"This grant is a meaningful investment in the young people we serve and the future they are working to build," said Sanders. "Financial literacy is a critical life skill, and this support will help us continue providing opportunities that empower young adults to make informed decisions, achieve their goals, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families."
The $5,000 grant will help further the organization's efforts to provide educational programming and resources that equip participants with essential financial knowledge and life skills.
Springfield Partners for Community Action
Mickey Harris, Executive Director/ CEO of Springfield Partners for Community Action, also visited the Loan and Operations Center to receive their grant award and discuss the organization's ongoing commitment to helping individuals and families achieve greater financial stability. During the meeting, he highlighted the organization's financial literacy and economic empowerment programs, which provide community members with the tools, education, and guidance needed to strengthen their financial well-being and work toward self-sufficiency.
"We are grateful to Monson Savings Bank and the Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation for recognizing the importance of financial education in strengthening our communities," said Harris. "This funding will help us expand opportunities for individuals and families to gain financial knowledge, build confidence in managing their finances, and create pathways toward long-term economic success."
The $5,000 grant will support the organization's financial literacy initiatives and resources designed to help community members develop practical money-management skills and achieve greater economic stability.
"At Monson Savings Bank, we believe that investing in financial education creates lasting benefits not only for individuals and families, but for entire communities," Moriarty added. "The work being done by Follow My Steps Foundation and Springfield Partners for Community Action exemplifies the impact that strong financial literacy programs can have, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements."
For Monson Savings Bank, supporting organizations that foster economic empowerment and community development remains a key part of the Bank's ongoing commitment to helping local residents and businesses thrive.
To learn more about Monson Savings Bank’s commitment to the community, please visit: www.monsonsavings.bank/connect/our-community
