PeoplesBank Recognized as “Top Corporate Charitable Contributor” in Massachusetts

Corporate Citizenship Awards

Mutuality has fueled millions of dollars in contributions and thousands of volunteer hours over the last decade.

HOLYOKE, MA (September 15, 2025) - PeoplesBank has again been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a top corporate charitable contributor. The journal named the bank the top contributor amongst community banks in Western Massachusetts and second overall behind the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company.

In 2024, PeoplesBank made investments totaling $1.6 million annually in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the past three years. Over the last 12 years, the bank’s charitable contributions have topped $16,000,000. Further, the bank’s associates and board members contributed matching gifts of $55,750 in addition to the 8,500 volunteer hours they contributed. 

“Once again this year, our record-setting community support demonstrates the power of a mutual bank,” stated Brian Canina, President of PeoplesBank. “Our mutual charter means that we are not paying stockholders, so we can instead invest in the communities we serve."

Matthew Bannister, Senior Vice President-Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships, stated that the bank’s charitable impact has increased dramatically over the last decade. “Now that we are operating in Massachusetts and Connecticut, our contributions, both in terms of financial support and volunteerism, have increased correspondingly." Bannister estimates that the 12-year contribution total is now over $16 million.

 

About PeoplesBank:

PeoplesBank is a leader in innovation, corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and employee engagement. Our three LEED® certified offices are environmentally friendly, and we have financed more than $350 million in wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy projects.

As a community bank we have a unique ability to help the communities we serve through volunteer efforts and millions of dollars in donations to charitable and civic causes.

PeoplesBank is a mutual bank and therefore is responsible to our depositors, our employees, and the community. This organizational structure allows us to focus on the long-term viability of the bank and the best interests of our customers. We currently have 20 banking centers located in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Media Contact
Matthew Bannister, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility & Sponsorships, PeoplesBank
413.493.8704
[email protected]