Claremont Savings Bank and Granite United Way: Building a Stronger Sullivan County Together

Claremont Savings Bank has become one of Granite United Way’s most committed partners in Sullivan County, and the timing couldn’t matter more. This past fall, Granite United Way expanded its reach to include Sullivan County, bringing our mission of strengthening families and communities to a region we’re proud to now serve. With deep roots in the Upper Valley, Claremont Savings Bank was there from the start.

“Partnering with organizations like Granite United Way allows us to extend our impact beyond financial services, helping to strengthen local families, schools, and neighborhoods. We believe that when our community thrives, we all thrive, and investing in meaningful partnerships is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen” said David Finnerty, President & CEO of Claremont Savings Bank.

How Claremont Savings Bank Shows Up in Sullivan County

The partnership between Claremont Savings Bank and Granite United Way in Sullivan County goes well beyond a single donation or event. Their team has shown up in multiple meaningful ways:

  • Workplace giving campaign: employees directing personal contributions to community impact
  • Community-wide coat drive: ensuring neighbors stay warm through the New Hampshire winter
  • Food drive: responding to food insecurity across the Upper Valley
  • Day of Caring sponsorship: investing in NH’s largest single-day volunteer event
  • $2,500 donation to Granite United Way’s Camp Starter Kit project: helping local children arrive at summer camp with everything they need to participate fully

Claremont Savings Bank employees hosting a coat drive in Sullivan County NH for Granite United Way

The “Jeans Day” Initiative: Small Gesture, Real Results

One of the most creative programs to come out of this partnership is Claremont Savings Bank’s internal “Jeans Day” fundraiser.

“Employees are invited to wear jeans each Tuesday in exchange for a $1 donation, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. This ‘Jeans Day’ program has been embraced across the organization, with strong participation reflecting our team’s shared dedication to giving back. It’s a small gesture that adds up quickly — demonstrating how collective efforts, much like our partnership with United Way, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community.”
— Ashleigh McFarlin, Senior Vice President, Claremont Financial Services

A dollar at a time it adds up, and it builds something more valuable than the dollars themselves: a workplace culture where giving back is simply part of who they are.

Why Volunteering Is Central to Their Mission

For Claremont Savings Bank, financial support is only part of the picture. Their employees also give their time.

“For our employees, giving back is part of who we are. Volunteering gives our staff an opportunity to connect directly with neighbors, lend a helping hand, and see the difference they can make firsthand. Personally, it’s rewarding and humbling; professionally, it reinforces our shared sense of purpose and teamwork. These experiences remind us that banking isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people and relationships.”
— David Finnerty, President & CEO, Claremont Savings Bank

Shared Values, Lasting Impact in Sullivan County

What makes the Claremont Savings Bank and Granite United Way partnership in Sullivan County work is the alignment underneath it, a shared belief that thriving communities don’t happen by accident.

“Our mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of the individuals and businesses we serve while supporting the communities we call home. Granite United Way shares that same vision of improving lives through collaboration, education, and support. By working together, we can create greater stability and opportunity for those in need — aligning with our core values of community, integrity, and service.”
— David Finnerty, President & CEO, Claremont Savings Bank

As the partnership continues to deepen, so does its reach, more neighbors served, more needs met, more ripple effects felt across Sullivan County and the broader Upper Valley.

Get Involved in Sullivan County

If you or your organization wants to make an impact in Sullivan County, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Katie Berndsen at Katie.Berndsen@graniteuw.org to learn how your business can partner with Granite United Way.

Looking ahead, Claremont Savings Bank is excited by the growing impact of this collaboration and the ripple effect it creates. As the partnership continues to deepen, so does its ability to respond to real needs, reach more neighbors, and create lasting change across the region.

If you want to make an impact in Sullivan County, reach out to Katie Berndsen at Katie.Berndsen@graniteuw.org.

👉 Learn more about partnering with Granite United Way