Among Bank of America’s most notable philanthropic investments is its signature Neighborhood Builders program, which just reached a significant milestone.
Fulfilling its commitment to strengthening the Greater Maryland community, the company supports the impactful work of local nonprofits and community-based organizations through the Neighborhood Builders program. On a yearly basis, Bank of America selects nonprofits, also named “Neighborhood Builders,” that are awarded grants.
On November 7, 2024, Janet Currie, President of Bank of America Greater Maryland, joined past and present Neighborhood Builders honorees to celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary. The milestone celebration was held at the Baltimore Center Stage.
The brief program opened with remarks from Stevie Walker-Webb, Baltimore Center Stage’s artistic director. Afterward, Currie addressed event guests, highlighting the Neighborhood Builders Program and what it meant to achieve the 20-year landmark. She also acknowledged this year’s Neighborhood Builders awardees.
“The goal is to build capacity in these organizations, to encourage their sustainability, to help them with their broader efforts around funding, and to provide them a space where nonprofits can come together… and think strategically about their goals,” said Currie.
“[Crossing this milestone] means that we continue to maintain our focus on how important it is to not only put these funds out into communities but to make sure that we are also helping to strengthen leadership in these organizations. And we’re really supporting them not just by writing a check, but leaning into what they’re trying to achieve and trying to add value to it.”
Since its inception in 2004, the Neighborhood Builders program has enabled Bank of America to partner with 35 local nonprofits, investing $7 million in economic mobility opportunities in the Baltimore region.
The Neighborhood Builders award provides $200,000 in flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training for CEOs, executive directors and emerging leaders on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling. Nonprofit leadership development is another key component of Neighborhood Builders, offering honorees a distinct opportunity to join a national network of similarly missioned organizations.
Neighborhood Builders is not only exclusive to the Baltimore region. Bank of America has 97 markets across the nation, according to Currie. The company’s larger and mid-size markets have the Neighborhood Builders program and the smaller markets have what is called the “Neighborhood Champions” program.
Over the years, the program has evolved thanks to advances in technology – from social media connectivity to hybrid meeting opportunities and more.
“The goal throughout all of them is really to leverage local leadership,” Currie said.
“We have foundations who help us select these winners. So, we recognize organizations in each of these locales that are doing great work.”
Also present at the ceremony were participants in Bank of America’s Student Leaders program and members from the Neighborhood Builders local market selection committee.
The Neighborhood Builders awardees for 2024 were the Franciscan Center and Project JumpStart Inc., both of which are Baltimore-based nonprofits.
The Franciscan Center, led by executive director Jeff Griffin, provides emergency assistance and supportive outreach to economically disadvantaged populations.
The organization’s Dignity Plates Training Academy provides basic instruction to prepare students for entry-level culinary jobs. The Franciscan Center has a committed group of staff and volunteers who devote their efforts to responsive services and empowerment services that include nutrition, connection and education to aid Baltimoreans in their path to self-sufficiency.
Year after year, The Franciscan Center applied for Neighborhood Builders grant funding. This time around, they finally struck gold. Griffin was overwhelmed when he found out the nonprofit was named a Neighborhood Builder.
“We’re just trying to find ways that we could live with our neighbors and help our neighbors,” Griffin said during the 20th anniversary celebration. “We’re excited. It’s very hard to earn this award, so I was ecstatic.”
Project JumpStart is a pre-apprenticeship construction workforce development training program led by executive director Jimmy Stewart. The 15-week program is for Baltimore City residents with a high school diploma or GED.
The $200,000 grant will be disbursed over two years and will enable Project JumpStart’s free construction training program, helping local residents build skills and careers in trades like electrical, plumbing, and carpentry.
The funding will be paired with valuable leadership training for the nonprofit, enabling impact growth with a focus on financial sustainability, strategic storytelling, and community engagement, according to a Project JumpStart statement.
“We are eternally grateful and thankful to Janet and Bank of America for this award,” Stewart said.
“We’re just looking forward to this allowing us to take what we’ve done over the last 18 years and just take it to another level. I have a great team that’s supported me and we’re really excited about some of the initiatives, some of the additional programming and things we’re going to do for our students and other organizations in the community. And we couldn’t do that without these funds.”
Following the 20th anniversary celebration, event guests were invited to a play hosted by Baltimore Center stage.
