United Way of Broward County and Arc Broward Named as Bank of America’s 2023 Neighborhood Builders® in Broward County

Each Nonprofit Will Receive $200,000 in Flexible Funding and Leadership Training to Advance Economic Mobility

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl. – Bank of America today announced United Way of Broward County and Arc Broward as the 2023 Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Broward County. Through this multi-year grant funding and extensive leadership training for the nonprofits’ leadership, these organizations will be able to expand programs and services that uplift communities and empower individuals with disabilities.

The Neighborhood Builders program is one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, providing comprehensive leadership training for an executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, and the opportunity to join a national network of peer organizations. Each Builder is also awarded a $200,000 grant over two years.

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

For over 80 years, United Way of Broward County has fought for the health, education, and financial prosperity  of every person in Broward County. It fulfills this mission by tackling the most complex, critical challenges and creates long-lasting positive change. This new grant funding will enable the nonprofit to establish a Center for Working Families initiative that will provide financial coaching, credit counseling, resume building and employment opportunities at the Gulfstream Academy in Hallandale.

“United Way of Broward County is beyond pleased to partner with Bank of America to provide financial education and support to individuals struggling in our community,” said Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO of United Way of Broward County. “Offering integrated services in the areas of income, career, and financial support will provide our neighbors who are struggling with a path to economic mobility and financial prosperity.”

Similarly, Arc Broward has transformed the community by empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential. The organization offers 21 programs for people of all ages, helping ensure they, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive.  This new grant funding will empower the nonprofit to further expand its catering Social Enterprise, Arc Culinary, and nationally accredited Entry- Level Culinary Arts program through strategic collaboration with local nonprofit partners. This initiative aims to broaden access to culinary arts and training, creating meaningful pathways to employment and fostering economic self-sufficiency within the targeted communities.

“Receiving the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award is a game-changer for our organization,” said Julie Price, CEO of Arc Broward. “This grant will empower us to expand our education and training programs, enabling us to uplift not only people with disabilities but other individuals who experience barriers to employment, providing them with essential skills and opportunities for a brighter future.”

The invitation-only Neighborhood Builders program is highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Builders awardees. Since 2004, 31 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Broward County, with the bank investing more than $5 million into these local nonprofits.

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.