Bank of America recently announced more than $480,000 in grants to 20 Central Florida organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable progress in the region. This first round of grants the company awards to local nonprofits throughout the year is focused on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health and jobs.
In Central Florida alone, 47% of households struggle to make ends meet, with a third of households in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties identifying as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). This can have wide-ranging effects on housing and caring for loved ones, especially if faced with high inflation and unexpected expenses.
Economic growth is directly correlated to a community’s access to quality education, skills training and employment opportunities. That’s why the bank is focused on supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including education, upskilling and reskilling programs that will help individuals and families stabilize and advance.
One recipient, Hope Partnership, will use the funds to expand their holistic continuum of care that helps end homelessness and poverty in Central Florida. Through their homelessness prevention efforts, financial literacy coaching, and employment assistance, Hope Partnership helps improve household stability. They also provide much-needed supplies such as food and clothing, along with essential services such as help gaining an ID, employment referrals and education referrals.
“Working with Hope Partnership to address important issues like family stabilization is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in Central Florida,” said Naveed Shujaat, president, Bank of America Central Florida. “Investing in Central Florida’s nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”
Other organizations receiving grants include: Christian Help Foundation, City of Orlando Community & Youth Trust, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Elevate, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, Harbor House of Central Florida, Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, IDignity, Jobs Partnership of Florida, Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Lake Care, Orange Blossom Family Health, Orlando Science Center, Quest, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Senior First, Shepherds Hope, The Sharing Center and United Against Poverty.
These grants build on the $9 million Bank of America provided to Central Florida organizations since 2019 and are part of the bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting economic opportunity for diverse people and communities. Local employees have also donated more than $1.1 million to Central Florida nonprofits and community needs since 2019.
Additional background about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation giving can be found here.
