Bank of America announced 15 nonprofits in Savannah were awarded a total of more than $166,000 grant funding in 2019. The nonprofit organizations are building pathways to economic progress by addressing basic needs, community development and workforce development. The bank’s giving this year was underscored in the fourth quarter with a $50,000 commitment to Park Place Outreach through the bank’s Neighborhood Champions program.

“We are dedicated to improving the lives of people in Savannah and making a significant impact on our city’s economic prosperity,” said Patrick O’Neil, Savannah market president, Bank of America. “Our ongoing investment in our nonprofit partners aims to address critical issues facing our community.”

Neighborhood Champions

In November, Bank of America committed $50,000 to its inaugural Neighborhood Champion awardee Park Place Outreach Youth Emergency Shelter to further its mission of providing services to Savannah’s at-risk youth and their families.

Basic Needs

Bank of America is committed to helping nonprofit partners that assist individuals and families at their immediate point of need, as well as organizations that deliver longer term solutions such as access to financial education and coaching. In 2019, Bank of America awarded $67,500 in basic needs grants to seven Savannah nonprofits.

Community, Workforce and Economic Development

Bank of America awarded an additional $20,000 in community development grants to three nonprofits to help increase access to affordable housing and support neighborhood revitalization in Savannah. Recipients included Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Glynn County and Community Housing Services.

Bank of America’s 2019 philanthropic giving also included more than $49,000 to four nonprofits connecting individuals and young adults to employment and improving education and training for the community’s workforce. Recipients included YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Junior Achievement of Georgia and Royce Learning Center. These funds were also used in support of two interns for the YMCA through Bank of America’s Student Leaders program and two interns for Goodwill through the city of Savannah’s Summer 500 program.

Additionally, Bank of America allocated $15,000 as part of its commitment to arts and culture through its signature program Museums on Us program, with partners Coastal Heritage Society and SCAD Museum of Art. Loop It Up Savannah also received $5,000 to support its community art program for youth in Savannah’s urban neighborhoods.

Employee Giving

The bank’s philanthropic spirit also extended to its employees, who have volunteered more than 2,200 hours to date serving Savannah nonprofits in 2019. Volunteer efforts included building Habitat for Humanity homes, teaching Better Money Habits financial education and participating in the Tybee Beach Clean Up.

Bank of America is committed to giving back to the neighborhoods where its employees live and work. The oldest parts of the company extend back 140 years in Georgia, and it has served the needs of the communities since its foundation. “The bank’s community-centered approach serves as a connection for us to help the Savannah community access guidance and resources to be successful and help our customers thrive,” said O’Neil.