All About Bank of America

Bank of America’s local grant making activities vary, depending on what the local community needs. Local markets (CT has two: 1.Bridgeport /Stamford/Norwalk and 2. Hartford) teams develop relationships with other community leaders to determine the best use of philanthropic dollars in each community.What do these teams do?

• Consult with local community leaders and stakeholders to determine the most pressing challenges of each community
• Invest in charitable grants to local, regional, and national programs and partners
• Demonstrate thought leadership by convening local leaders to discuss issues, share best practices, and elevate the level of knowledge to address complex challenges
• Determine organizations and causes that will be supported by Bank of America

Bank of America also funds Anchor Institutions such as colleges, hospitals, and museums to help create economic stability and generate economic growth. Libraries aren't listed, but that's all the more reason to apply.

Bank of America's larger initiative is called the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, and CT's two local markets are eligible for grants, training, and other resources and honors.BoA’s NEI is designed to recognize, nurture, and reward community-based organizations, local heroes, and student leaders working to improve their communities and is focused on “areas of critical importance to community well-being, including education, community development/neighborhood preservation, arts and culture, and health and human services.”

The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative has three components:
1) Two nonprofit/charitable organizations get “operating support and rigorous leadership training. Neighborhood Builders recipients are awarded $200,000 ($100,000 annually for two years) in general operating support. They also benefit from specially designed leadership development programs for their senior executives and emerging leaders.” Deadlines are in June.

2) The Local Heroes program honors community champions who are working to measurably improve their communities and who inspire others to get involved. Five Local Heroes get to each direct a $5,000 contribution to the eligible nonprofit/charitable organization of their choice and are recognized at a public awards ceremony in their local community. Deadlines are in June 1.

3) The Student Leaders program seeks to further develop the leadership skills of students who demonstrate a passion for improving their communities. The program seeks leaders who are high school juniors and seniors in the United States; five from each of the eligible markets will be selected to participate in an eight-week paid internship at a nonprofit/charitable organization and a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C; deadlines are in January.