CHARLOTTE, NC ‒ Bank of America today announced the latest honorees of its Neighborhood Builders Social Equality Award (NBSE), which recognizes individual leaders from across the country who serve as catalysts in advancing social equality and economic opportunity. The six individuals were selected for their extraordinary contributions to breaking barriers and creating opportunities.
Each awardee has the opportunity to direct a $200,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, and the selected organizations can participate in the company’s year-long Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program, which provides strategic growth and development training to set long-term success.
NBSE is an extension of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders®, one of the largest and longest-standing philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation. This year, the bank also made a $24 million investment in support of nonprofit leadership and sustainability through Neighborhood Builders and Neighborhood Champions. Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.
“We want to recognize, celebrate and empower the leaders and nonprofits driving progress for the diverse communities where we all live and serve,” said Ebony Thomas, president, Bank of America Charitable Foundation. “We are inspired by the work these individuals and organizations do to break barriers and create opportunities on behalf of others in sustainable and innovative ways.”
Last year, the bank provided nearly $360 million in philanthropic investments to help drive economic mobility in the communities we serve, including nearly $100 million in support of workforce development and jobs, $80 million for community development and affordable housing, and more than $90 million for basic needs, including nearly $4 million for natural disaster and humanitarian needs.
The awardees for the Neighborhood Builders Social Equality Award include:
