Bank of America Charitable Foundation Awards Nearly $725k in Grants To Nonprofits Tackling Poverty in Metro Detroit

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has distributed nearly $725,000 in community giving to 18 nonprofits focused on ensuring individuals and families in metropolitan Detroit have access to basic needs and services.

Six teams of Bank of America executives made visits to the organizations and delivered the grants during Bank of America’s “Detroit Day of Giving”, November 16. These grants are a part of the bank’s broader philanthropic investment to improve housing, hunger and jobs in communities across the nation. Grants were also delivered to other organizations in Michigan, which brings today’s total to nearly $1 million in community giving.

Many metro Detroit families and individuals still struggle to obtain basic necessities and face difficult financial decisions, such as choosing between putting food on the table and paying for health care, or simply providing a safe home for their children.

These recognized nonprofits play a critical role in providing essential human services, including emergency shelter and access to food and benefits, to reach individuals at their immediate point of need and connect them to the programs and resources that will set them on a path to economic stability.

“Bank of America is proud to support organizations who on a daily basis provide food, shelter and a safe haven for so many people in need,” said Matt Elliott, Michigan market president, Bank of America. “Our commitment to these organizations can help families and individuals find their path to financial independence and a safe, more secure future.”

Organizations receiving grants include: Humble Design, Common Ground, Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, Macomb County Warming Center, South Oakland Shelter, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Historical Museum, CATCH, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation, Civilla, Forgotten Harvest, Ruth Ellis Center, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Salvation Army of Southeast Michigan, Starfish Family Services, Alternatives for Girls and Catholic Charities – All Saints Soup Kitchen.

The Bank also awarded $400,000 in grants to its Neighborhood Builders partners, who will use the funding to increase their impact in the community through program expansion or operations.

The 2016 Neighborhood Builders Awardees are Build Institute and Midnight Golf Program. Each organization received $200,000. Build Institute helps individuals turn business into reality by providing tools, resources and a support network in Detroit. The organization has graduated nearly 1,000 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, many who have started businesses in the city. Midnight Golf Program was designed with a clear focus on the important transition from high school to college, particularly as it pertains to first-generation college students from low- to moderate-income families. To date, Midnight Golf Program has served more than 1,700 participants.

Bank of America has donated in excess of $3 million in Michigan this year through grants, sponsorships and employee investments.

At Bank of America, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organizations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News