Bristol County Savings Bank Awards $25,000 Grant To New Bedford Public Schools
TAUNTON, MA, November 17, 2025 — Bristol County Savings Bank, through its Foundation, recently awarded a grant totaling $25,000 to New Bedford Public Schools to help support the “Alfred J. Gomes Elementary Library Revival.” The funds will go towards the purchase more than 1,000 updated, relevant, multi-cultural books, and in both Spanish and English titles to support dual language programming. Since the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $35.6 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profits in the communities the Bank serves. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded a record $2.9 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations.
“As someone who loves to read, I know how exciting it is to open a book that sparks your imagination — and this project is going to make sure students have plenty of those moments,” said John Silva, President and CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation. “We’re thrilled to help bring the Gomes Elementary library back to life! To the teachers, students and families — thank you for letting us be part of your story. What you’re doing here inspires us, and we can’t wait to see the next generation of readers this library helps create.”
“We are so grateful for the continued support of Bristol County Savings Bank,” said Andrew O’Leary, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools. “A library can be the heartbeat of a school. This latest donation will spark additional focus and investment in our school libraries so that there are more opportunities for our young people to fall in love with reading.”
The Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School has over 600 students in Pre-K through 6th grade and hosts the district’s Spanish Dual Language Program. The school is committed to developing lifelong learners of strong character and confidence who, in their unique aspirations, can navigate life with excellence, integrity and community pride on their voyage through graduation to successful futures.
Bristol County Savings Bank is an active supporter in the communities in which it serves. The Foundation was established in 1996 as part of the Bank’s 150th Anniversary celebration. Its purpose is to fund needs that contribute to the economic and the social well-being of the people and institutions located in the greater Taunton/Attleboro region, the greater New Bedford/Dartmouth region, the greater Fall River region and greater Providence, Rhode Island region, with particular emphasis in the areas of education and literacy, economic development and housing for the low- to moderate-income population.