Celebrating its 20th year, Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders® program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, while providing unique multiyear flexible grant funding to two high-impact nonprofits in nearly 100 communities nationwide. In DFW, Bank of America has named BRAVER Together and Catholic Charities Dallas as its 2024 Neighborhood Builders for their work to enhance the health and wellbeing of the North Texas region.
Specifically, each DFW nonprofit is awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for each organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. Since the program’s inception in 2004, 59 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in DFW, with the bank investing $11.8 million in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.
“This year, we celebrate 20 years of strengthening North Texas nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement. That means 59 local nonprofits that have been empowered with flexible funding and leadership training to address critical needs and create economic opportunity in our communities,” said Jennifer Chandler, president, Bank of America Dallas. “We look forward to continued impact through the inspirational work of BRAVER and Catholic Charities, two organizations that are steadfast in supporting some of our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Catholic Charities Dallas enhances the health and wellbeing of North Texans by strategically, collaboratively and holistically responding to pressing needs of the region through its core programs addressing hunger, financial stability and career services, and homeless and housing. The bank’s funding will allow the organization to continue to respond to urgent community needs and support new mission areas and programs.
“Every day, our work focuses on helping households and families not only survive but thrive, making sure they have their basic needs met and providing access to resources that will prevent food or housing insecurity. With the support of community-minded partners like Bank of America, we are pouring into our future leaders and further scaling our efforts to transform lives and, in turn, transform communities,” said David Woodyard, CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas.
“Bank of America’s commitment to building stronger communities begins right here in our own backyard. Countless individuals, families and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact that our Neighborhood Builders have made in DFW over the past two decades,” said Mike Pavell, president, Bank of America Fort Worth. “The Neighborhood Builder program provides local nonprofits with unrestricted funding and leadership development that allows them to fill their most pressing organizational needs so they can focus on serving our community. It’s an honor to recognize BRAVER and Catholic Charities with this award.”
BRAVER works to achieve health equality in neighborhoods in zip code 76104, home to residents with the lowest life expectancy in the state, by eradicating racial disparities in education, healthcare, housing and economic development. This new grant funding will provide operational stability, allow the organization to nimbly respond to urgent, unforeseen needs that arise within the community, as well as enable it to grow its staff.
“As a ‘first responder’ in the 76104 community, we often hear directly from residents with urgent needs. Through the Neighborhood Builder grant, we can build our capacity and have the flexibility to promptly and effectively respond to these immediate concerns,” said Shawn Lassiter, Executive Director of BRAVER Together. “By addressing the root causes of disparities and investing in neighborhood revitalization and small business resiliency, together we are creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout the community.”
Neighborhood Builders is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Nationwide since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $346 million in grants to nearly 2,000 nonprofits and helped more than 4,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills in nearly 100 communities across the U.S. through Neighborhood Builders and Champions.
The Neighborhood Builders invitation-only program is highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Builders awardees.
