A Manchester man representing Kennebec Land Trust recently landed $10,000 for the organization after winning the highest award from Bank of Maine’s Focus on Philanthropy event.

The top prize went to Norm Rodrigue, who is the longtime director of the land trust’s new Trail Stewardship Fund, according to a release.

Kennebec Land Trust officials said the award would be dedicated to the fund, allowing the organization to buy tools, equipment and supplies, and to finance bog bridging, trail development and other property improvements.

The land trust’s goal is raise an additional $15,000, for a total of $25,000, for the new fund as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations in 2013-2014.

Land trust directors, advisors, supporters and staff attended the Bank of Maine’s event on Dec. 1 with 300 members of Maine’s nonprofit organizations.

Other representatives of nonprofit groups honored besides the land trust received $2,500, including: Susan Brackett, The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor; Barbara Covey, Kennebec Valley Dental Coalition; Dr. Vernon L. Moore, Counseling Services Inc.; and Thomas B. Wright, Seeds of Independence.

More than 80 nominations were submitted from organizations across the state for the Focus on Philanthropy event. An independent committee appointed by the bank selected the finalists.

Rodrigue has been on the board of the Kennebec Land Trust for 20 years, and has served as its president, vice president, secretary, and chair of the Development Committee.