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Celebrating Two Decades of Community Empowerment

In December 2024, Bank of America proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of its signature Neighborhood Builders® program. This initiative stands out as one of the largest and longest-standing philanthropic investments aimed at cultivating leadership within nonprofit organizations across the United States. Since its inception in 2004, Bank of America has committed over $346 million in grants, reaching nearly 2,000 nonprofits and empowering over 4,000 leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive economic mobility.

The Essence of Neighborhood Builders

The Neighborhood Builders program serves as a vital resource for nonprofit organizations by offering multi-year funding paired with comprehensive leadership training. This model enables nonprofits to maximize their long-term impact on local communities. According to AJ Barkley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America, the program provides a unique avenue for empowering community leaders through essential training and resources. He emphasizes, "Empowering community leadership through training and resources is a powerful and unique way we've found to help nonprofits maximize their long-term impact in local communities."

Annual Selection and Training

Every year, the Neighborhood Builders initiative honors 250 nonprofit leaders from over 150 nonprofits in nearly 100 communities throughout the country. The emphasis is placed on prioritizing leadership development for nonprofit executives, allowing them to engage in meaningful training while simultaneously fostering a vast network of peers. This network not only offers a platform for discussing challenges but also facilitates the exchange of best practices and cultivation of new opportunities.

The training provided through the program encourages high-impact nonprofits to refine their operations, ensuring they can continue serving the community effectively while pursuing innovative paths forward.

A Legacy of Community Impact

Over the last two decades, the Neighborhood Builders program has managed to create substantial ripples of change within various communities. It has not just provided financial backing but has instilled essential leadership skills that nonprofits can leverage in tackling societal challenges. Nonprofits that have benefited from this program have reported improved operational efficiency, heightened community engagement, and increased effectiveness in achieving their missions.

The impact of this program is highlighted by the inspiring stories of leaders who have undergone training and emerged with enhanced abilities to address pressing issues such as economic inequality, access to education, and social justice. By equipping these leaders with the necessary tools, Bank of America has played a crucial role in fostering a healthier, more equitable society.

The Future of Neighborhood Builders

As we celebrate this milestone, the commitment of Bank of America to the Neighborhood Builders program remains unwavering. The bank’s dedication to investing in leadership development is ongoing, with plans to adapt and expand the initiative to meet the shifting needs of nonprofits and communities in the years to come.

This commitment reflects a larger philosophy embraced by Bank of America in supporting community-based solutions that create tangible change. It is a testament to the bank's ongoing role in shaping the future of philanthropy and community development through strategic investments in leadership.

In conclusion, the Neighborhood Builders program exemplifies how targeted financial support and capacity-building can contribute significantly to the betterment of society. As Bank of America honors the achievements of thousands of nonprofit leaders, it also looks forward to the vast potential of the next generation of community changemakers that will emerge through continued investment in leadership training and resource provision.