TD Charitable Foundation Supports Maine College of Art & Design
with COVID-Relief Financial Aid Funding for Students of Color
The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, has donated $10,000 to Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) to establish a COVID-Relief Financial Aid Fund for MECA&D’s students of color who have been financially impacted by the current pandemic.
“Thanks to the generosity of the TD Charitable Foundation, MECA&D will be able to support our students of color, who make up 20% of our student body, with emergency financial aid during this unprecedented crisis,” said MECA&D President Laura Freid. “This fund is imperative as the economic downturn continues to impact our students and their families. This grant from TD Charitable Foundation aligns with MECA&D’s commitment to affordable education, ensuring that all MECA&D students can access their education and career preparation.”
Margaret Brownlee, MECA&D’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, stated, “MECA&D students of color face economic inequalities, similar to all communities of color nationwide, and tuition and living costs are deeply affected by the current crisis. With this fund, students who need additional support for the current or upcoming spring semester can access that aid.”
MECA&D is currently finalizing the College’s Strategic Plan 2020-2027, featuring a priority goal to ‘Develop a Culture of Social Change, Racial Justice, and Equity’. MECA&D is committed to ensuring that issues of Social Change, Racial Justice, and Inclusion inform all aspects of the College. Placing these values at the forefront of the College’s work cultivates artists who are true agents of change and connects the community to the world in meaningful ways.
A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® and the TD Charitable Foundation provide support to affordable housing, financial literacy and education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families.
This contribution supports TD’s longstanding commitment to community enrichment through TD’s corporate citizenship platform, The TD Ready Commitment. The TD Ready Commitment actively promotes inclusivity, economic vitality, environmental wellbeing and health, enabling people of all backgrounds to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of The TD Ready Commitment, TD targets US $775 million in total by 2030 towards community giving in four critical areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities, and Better Health. Through this platform, TD aspires to create a more inclusive tomorrow -- helping people of all backgrounds feel more confident, not just about their finances, but their ability to achieve their goals. Visit: tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment.
About the TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $243 million through donations to local nonprofits from Maine to Florida. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation is available at tdbank.com/corporate-responsibility/the-ready-commitment/funding-opportunities.