Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) is helping finance the construction of the Mark Stebbins Community Center on Manchester’s West Side, slated to open in fall 2026. Funded through the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA), The Merrimack pledged $15,000 toward the non-profit center which will provide children and families access to vital resources.
“By supporting this project, we’re able to help make a difference in the community while honoring the life and legacy of Mark Stebbins,” said Linda Lorden, President of The Merrimack.
The 20,000 square foot center will be home to several non-profit organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester and Amoskeag Health. Services will include affordable before and after school care, healthcare, food access initiatives and a community navigator program.
“We’re grateful for the generosity of our donors and supporters for helping us bring Mark’s vision of lifting up communities to life,” said Jeanine Tousignant, Project Facilitator of the Mark Stebbins Community Center.
In 2021, community and nonprofit organizations gathered with the Stebbins Family to kick off the planning and concept for the Mark Stebbins Community Center. This center will be home to several non-profit organizations, providing collaborative services to build stronger families and brighter futures for children on the West Side of Manchester. For more information on the project, updates and programs, visit markstebbinscommunitycenter.org.
CDFA tax credits allow businesses to fund qualifying economic or community development projects in exchange for a tax credit that can be applied against state business tax payments. The tax credits are administered by the New Hampshire CDFA. Any business with operations in New Hampshire that contributes to a CDFA tax credit project receives a New Hampshire state tax credit worth 75 percent of their contribution. The credit can be used over a period of five years to reduce the business’ state tax liability (business profits, business enterprise, or insurance premium taxes). The tax credit program allows New Hampshire businesses to use their state tax dollars to support local projects that they care about. CDFA reviews many project applications each year, and awards tax credits to those they determine are feasible and will make the biggest impact on economic development in the state. Visit nhcdfa.org for more information.
Merrimack Style is treating everyone – customers, employees and community members – with dignity, care, respect and compassion. Founded in 1867, The Merrimack has served the people, businesses, non-profits and municipalities in Central and Southern New Hampshire for 158 years. Merrimack County Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank that benefits local depositors, borrowers, and surrounding communities instead of stockholders on Wall Street. To learn more, visit any of their local offices in Bow, Concord, Contoocook, Henniker, Hooksett, Nashua and Windham; call 603.225.2793 or visit themerrimack.com.