Stamford-based First County Bank Foundation, the charitable arm of First County Bank, has granted $70,500 to nine Stamford nonprofits.

The combined mission of the nine organizations receiving aid is to work with the elderly, promote volunteerism and assist families in need of housing, food, education and health services.

Grants of $10,000 were awarded to each of the following groups: Americares Free Clinics Inc., which provides healthcare to uninsured residents; Literacy Volunteers of Stamford/Greenwich Inc., a literacy and English-language training and advocacy group; SoundWaters, a group devoted to teaching residents about the unique environment of the Long Island Sound; Stamford Emergency Medical Services Inc., a local ambulance firm; and the Stamford Partnership, a public/private partnership working to enhance the quality of life for those who live and/or work in Stamford.

In addition to the five $10,000 grants, $7,500 was awarded to St. Luke’s Lifeworks; two grants of $5,000 were gifted to Jewish Family Service and the Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County; and $3,000 was granted to the Stamford Senior Center.

The First County Bank Foundation said its latest round of grants brings the total amount gifted to more than $3.5 million since its foundation in 2001.