Neighbor News
Regional Environmental Council Awarded $50K Bank of America Grant
Worcester nonprofit is named one of the bank's 2023 Neighborhood Champions
Worcester – Bank of America today announced the Regional Environmental Council (REC) as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion® awardee for their work building healthy, sustainable communities and creating access to food in underserved neighborhoods in the Worcester area. Through this multi-year grant funding and leadership training for the nonprofit’s leadership, programs and services addressing food insecurity will be strengthened.
Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions program provides funding and leadership training to nonprofits that are advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods.
Through the program, REC 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.
REC is a grassroots nonprofit organization that brings people together to create a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system in Worcester and its surrounding communities. REC’s UGROW and YouthGROW programs support a network of over 70 urban gardens and farms, while their Farmers Market program supplies fresh produce to residents facing food insecurity across the region.
“We’re honored and grateful for Bank of America's recognition as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion,” said Steve Fischer, REC’s Executive Director. “This generous grant will significantly amplify our ongoing efforts to promote a healthy, sustainable food system in Worcester through community and youth development. With this support, we can not only meet the immediate needs of our community but also strategically plan for long-term success, ensuring lasting positive impacts on economic mobility and the well-being of the neighborhoods we serve.”
The invitation-only Neighborhood Champion program is highly competitive, and nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees.
“Nonprofits like the Regional Environmental Council are vital to solving social challenges, improving communities and promoting economic advancement," said Ed Shea, President, Bank of America Central Massachusetts. “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. Neighborhood Builders is for major and metro markets, while Neighborhood Champions serves smaller communities.
