August 7, 2023, Step Up Savannah is thrilled to announce the award of a generous grant from Bank of America to further its mission of fostering economic inclusion throughout Chatham County through workforce development and asset building.

Bank of America has worked with nonprofit partners, local organizations, business and civic leaders, and others across Savannah for years to help drive responsible growth. To strengthen our community, Bank of America is helping address barriers to health and jobs by directing grant funding to Step Up Savannah. The bank’s investment will be used to bolster existing programs and enhance Step Up Savannah's efforts to address economic equity, advocacy, and economic mobility within low-wealth communities.

Alicia M. Johnson, Executive Director of Step Up Savannah, emphasized the pressing need for this support, stating, "Households of Color in Savannah experience an asset poverty rate of 43.5%, compared to 19.8% for their white counterparts. Our goal is to increase positive economic mobility outcomes through direct servicing programs and bridge the economic equity gap in our community. Bank of America’s continued commitment to economic inclusion and workforce development in our region is a prime example of the power of cross-sector partnerships that help to power a more economically inclusive community. We are sincerely grateful for their continued support and partnership in this critical work."

Step Up Savannah acknowledges the cyclical nature of poverty, which often impacts multiple generations, leaving families burdened by financial challenges. As a response to this pressing issue, Step Up Savannah is dedicated to helping all members of the community build assets and gain self-sufficiency. The organization's focus centers on key areas that drive tangible change and empower lower-income individuals for financial success: direct service programs, advocacy and education, and community resource collaboration.

Since its establishment in 2009, Step Up Savannah has played a pivotal role in assisting thousands of unemployed and under-employed Chatham County residents in their journey toward financial stability. By creating opportunities for economic mobility among low-wealth families and individuals, the nonprofit is dedicated to breaking the cycle of entrenched poverty in the region. Step Up Savannah's six direct service programs include AmeriCorps VISTA, Chatham Apprentice Program, Level Up, Neighborhood Leadership Academy, Public Benefits, and the Working Families Network. Over the years, Step Up Savannah has made a profound impact since its inception in 2006.