Photo by James Sanna | Commercial Record staff

The charitable foundation of Bridgeport-based People’s United Bank has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations so far in 2021.

People’s United Community Foundation, which operates independently from the bank, awarded $989,589 during its first grant cycle of 2021, People’s United said in a statement. Grants were made to 150 non-profits throughout its footprint in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

The awards included more than 50 grants to Connecticut nonprofits. Community programs supported by the grants include food aid, small business assistance, youth education and mentoring programs, homelessness prevention, supportive housing and employment services. The foundation’s three primary focus areas include community and economic development, youth development and affordable housing.

The grants included an employee match contribution of $177,089 that will be allocated to United Way affiliates across the region as part of the People’s United Bank Annual United Way Employee Giving Campaign, the bank said.

“We thank our nonprofit partners for their perseverance in meeting the unprecedented demands and challenges that continue to affect our communities,” Karen Galbo, executive director of the foundation, said in the statement. “We are confident our support will aid in their important work of ensuring that vital programs and services remain accessible to all.”

The foundation last year awarded $3.95 million to more than 600 non-profit organizations. People’s United’s proposed acquisition by Buffalo-based M&T Bank calls for $90 million to support charitable activities in People’s United’s current footprint.