Bank of America recently announced Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) as a Neighborhood Champion. The Neighborhood Champions program is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. EVC was selected for its focus on workforce resources such as innovative childcare efforts.
As part of the program, EVC will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training by nonprofit sector experts on topics ranging from human capital management and financial sustainability to storytelling.
“As we consider many of the challenges that our communities are facing – from the health crisis brought on by the coronavirus to the need for progress on racial equality and economic opportunity – the Neighborhood Champions program is a relevant and timely initiative to support the communities we serve,” said Greg Bland, San Luis Obispo market president, Bank of America. “This program enables partners like Economic Vitality Corporation to address the growing challenges of the region’s workforce.”
San Luis Obispo County’s economy is experiencing a critical inflection point as the cost of living and the unemployment rate continue to rise with the ongoing pandemic, compounding the challenges working class families face. EVC, which supports the region’s business community with resources and capital for new and growing businesses, will leverage the Neighborhood Champions grant to help fund its new Childcare Capacity Project that connects childcare resources and facilities with local businesses, especially as the work/life demands of parents in the workforce become even more strained due to the pandemic. EVC plans to engage more than 20 local businesses to participate in the initial Childcare Capacity Project.
“Important time has been spent adapting to COVID’s impacts and now we begin to shift our focus to recovery, a sense of security and resiliency,” said Maria Kelly Executive Director, EVC. “The Neighborhood Champion grant will serve a great purpose as an investment to support work efforts by ourselves and our partners and we are so proud to be able to carry these sentiments with us into our communities.”
Since the program’s inception last year, Bank of America has invested $4.2 million in 84 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program. The Neighborhood Champions program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee.
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