Commemorating its fifth year, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions® program provides multiyear flexible grant funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in nearly 40 communities nationwide. In Savannah, Bank of America has named Step Up Savannah as its local 2024 Neighborhood Champion for its work. Step Up Savannah provides work readiness, job support and financial literacy to thousands of households across Chatham, Liberty and Bryan counties.

 As a Neighborhood Champion, Step Up Savannah is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director, access to technical coaching, and a national network of nonprofit peers.

“This year we celebrate five years of strengthening Savannah nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement through Neighborhood Champions," said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah. “Providing these high-impact nonprofits with flexible funding and leadership training helps them address critical needs and create meaningful lasting change in our communities. Countless individuals, families and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact that these nonprofits have had in Savannah over the past five years.” 

Step Up Savannah is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Chatham County. Through its deep collaboration within the local community, it empowers individuals and families to achieve economic mobility. This new grant funding will assist in providing essential resources such as job readiness training, financial literacy education, childcare, and transportation to address barriers to success in the Savannah-Chatham community. By connecting people to tools and support, Step Up Savannah creates pathways to lasting change and uplifts the financial security of the entire community.

“Throughout my tenure the last five years, Bank of America has been a stalwart partner helping us to foster self-sufficiency, opportunity, and hope for those striving to build a better future for themselves,” said Dr. Alicia M. Johnson, former executive director of Step Up Savannah. “Their commitment delivers on their mission to address critical needs in our community. For the last five years, they have supported our workforce development program, provided financial literacy training, and served on our board. We could not do this vital work without partners like Bank of America.”

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Since 2019, Bank of America has invested over $9 million in more than 200 nonprofits within more than 40 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.

Past Savannah Neighborhood Champions include: Park Place, Union Mission, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Community Housing Services Agency.