Bank of America today announced Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. (CHSA) as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Savannah. Through this multi-year grant funding and leadership training for the nonprofits’ leadership, programs and services addressing economic mobility through providing affordable housing will be able to expand.

As part of the bank’s Neighborhood Builders program, one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, Neighborhood Champions provides funding and leadership training to nonprofits that are advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods.

Through the program, Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. will receive the opportunity to participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling and a $50,000 grant over two years.  

Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. facilitates the retention, improvement, and development of affordable quality housing and neighborhoods through innovative investments and partnerships. This new grant funding will enable CHSA to expand educational initiatives for homebuyers, homeowners, renters, the homeless, and housing providers to ensure that the community is aware of their housing options and can take advantage of available services. 

“CHSA has served hundreds of persons in the past, but there are thousands of Chatham county residents in need of affordable housing," says Anita Smith-Dixon, CHSA Executive Director. "The Neighborhood Champion funding and training will help CHSA increase its organizational capacity and ensure that we continue to grow in a sustainable manner." 

The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Five nonprofits have been selected as Champions in Savannah since 2019, with the bank investing $50,000 per year into these local nonprofits.

“Nonprofits are vital to solving social challenges, improving communities and promoting economic advancement," said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah. “Providing these nonprofits with flexible funding and leadership training not only positions these nonprofits for sustainable, long-term success, but demonstrates our commitment to creating real change in the places where we live and work.”

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.