One of Santa’s elves dropped off a couple of very nice gifts including cash, awards and assistance for two area non-profits. As part of its $4M supporting North Texas non-profits working to increase access to jobs and affordable housing in 2022, Bank of America presented $200,000 in grants plus comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader to its Dallas and Fort Worth 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder awardees.
In Dallas the grant was presented to Bonton Farms that has been tackling its surrounding neighborhood’s challenges of health and wellness, economic stability, safe and affordable housing, transportation, a sense of belong, education and access to fair credit. The funds will be used to “build out a new program.”
Fort Worth’s awardee is The Ladder Alliance that has been recognized for education, encouraging and empowering women personally and professionally. Its grant will be used to “increase the number of students served by 83% by offering more classes, including students in underserved locations, reducing barriers to career readiness in the Metroplex.”
According to Bank of America Fort Worth President Mike Pavell, “Investing back in our community from a philanthropic standpoint is in Bank of America’s fabric — it is what we do. We believe in empowering non-profits that are serving as catalysts to help advance equity and create economic opportunity for all, and we are proud of the impact the bank and our employees had in the North Texas region this year through funding and volunteerism.”
Another area of Bank of America’s focus has been food insecurity. In 2022 it donated $620,000 to the North Texas Food Bank and $100,000 to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. A program was created “encouraging Bank of America employees to get vaccinated against coronavirus and the flu. A $100 donation was made to local hunger relief organizations and food banks for each employee who received a coronavirus vaccine or booster.” As a result of the program and a second similar campaign this fall, “North Texas employees raised $495,000 total for the foods banks.”
As Bank of America Dallas President Jennifer Chandler explained, “We are fortunate that the North Texas area continues to attract businesses and residents, providing workforce opportunities and strengthening our economy. Yet with this growth comes challenges, and we must ensure we are helping meet the critical needs of our communities while building a skilled workforce and local talent pool from which businesses can hire – this is key to mitigating the rising cost of living and stopping longtime residents from being left behind. That’s why Bank of America has directed nearly $4 million in our local community this year, supporting nonprofits who are advancing equity and economic opportunity, assisting small businesses and addressing food insecurity, and we look forward to identifying continued opportunities to support the region in 2023.”
* Graphic courtesy of Bonton Farms ** Graphic courtesy of The Ladder Alliance