LEWISTON — Androscoggin Bank recently announced the recipients of its bi-annual grant awards by Greater Giving, a community impact program launched last year. The bank created Greater Giving to provide support to nonprofits and organizations that benefit the community in three specific areas: economic development, education and the arts.

The Greater Giving awards committee approved grants to the following organizations:

• Portland Education Foundation — $2,500 was awarded to this Portland based nonprofit to support teacher-led classroom innovations. The grant will help support PEF’s Teacher Grants Program, which makes investments directly at the point of teaching and learning. The program is designed to help teachers engage students in Portland’s public schools to achieve their highest potential by augmenting teaching and learning.

• Rural Community Action Ministry — $5,000 was awarded to this Leeds-based organization that helps people meet their needs for safe, adequate shelter, clothing, food and basic well-being. The grant will help promote employment and/or advanced training to move rural Mainers from poverty to independence. By focusing on employment status, the organization will promote economic development to towns in Androscoggin, Oxford and Kennebec counties.