July 14, 2022
LAWT News Service
Bank of America today announced it has recently awarded more than $4 million in grants to 152 nonprofits across Southern California to help drive economic opportunity for individuals and families. This first round of grants from the bank focus on workforce development and education to help individuals chart a path to employment and better economic futures, as well as providing access to basic needs that are fundamental to building life-long stability.
Southern California remains one of the most expensive places to live in the country, and with rising inflation the costs of basic needs such as shelter and food in the region are among the highest in the nation. This round of Bank of America grants help alleviate this financial strain, especially for disadvantaged communities, by supporting nonprofit programs providing job reskilling and career pathways, hunger relief, affordable housing/shelter and healthcare.
“Investing in nonprofits addressing basic needs helps people overcome barriers to economic opportunity and equity,” said Raul Anaya, President, Bank of America Los Angeles. “This recent philanthropic investment in the Southland’s nonprofits is just one way Bank of America deploys capital locally to increase economic mobility and help our communities overall.”
Among the nonprofits in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties receiving the grants is LA Family Housing, a leading organization helping people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and supportive services. The bank’s funding supports its real estate development and programs.
“More people find themselves on the brink of becoming homeless or needing resources to permanently break the cycle of poverty or homelessness, which requires a tremendous public-private commitment. We are grateful for Bank of America’s continued support of our impactful programs,” said Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, President and CEO, LA Family Housing.
Grantee, Girls Inc. of Orange County, provides financial literacy, STEM, sound body image, healthy relationships, and college and career readiness for girls and young women ages 5-18. The bank’s funding supports The Girls Meet the Workforce program, which gives female high school students workforce readiness and life skills training. Participants in 11th and 12th grades also have the opportunity for summer "on the job" placement at a local organization, with a stipend, and a career mentor.
“The pandemic has been tougher on women than men, and it battered the industries where women's employment is more concentrated,” said Lucy Santana-Ornelas, CEO, Girls Inc. of Orange County. “Our partnership with Bank of America will enable us to even the playing field for many young women throughout Orange County.”
Inland Empire nonprofit Growing Inland Achievement is a regional K-16 education network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners working towards educational and economic success. The bank grant from Bank of America helps fund its Returning Adult Action Network Team providing education and workforce opportunities for marginalized adults.
“Our goal is for Riverside and San Bernardino counties to become a recognized leader for developing a well-educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy,” said Carlos Ayala, President and CEO, Growing Inland Achievement. “Critical support from partners like Bank of America help us scale our programs and pursue our goal of providing reliable career pathways for adults.”
These grants are the initial round of dollars directed to local nonprofits this year, with more to come throughout the year. Last year alone, Bank of America awarded more than $14.5 million in grants to local nonprofits and employees volunteered more than 69,000 hours to local causes in Southern California.
Additional background about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation giving can be found at https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/charitable-foundation-funding.