The 2023 outlooks of 21 local nonprofits have been upgraded with a generous gift presentation from Bank of America.
The 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Champions were featured in an event on Dec. 15, at the scenic Memphis Botanic Garden. Each was praised for their unique contributions to driving economic mobility and strengthening the local economy.
“Nonprofits are the backbone of our community, as they are on the ground working closely with families to understand the obstacles to economic stability,” said Bank of America Memphis President Trevia Chatman. “These organizations then develop programs and efforts to effectively address those obstacles.”
And among the nonprofit awardees, one was named the 2022 Neighborhood Champion. Taking the top honor was the Memphis Urban League (MUL), garnering a $50,000 award and virtual leadership training by nonprofit sector experts.
“It’s important that we direct, not only capital, but also the necessary resources and training to help position the Memphis Urban League and its leadership for long-term success,” said Chatman.
MUL principals were both surprised and thrilled at the special honor.
“The Memphis Urban League is grateful for Bank of America’s generosity in helping our organization provide services to those in need,” said MUL President Tonja Sesley-Fifer. “A gift of this amount will go a long way in supporting our efforts.”
SchoolSeed President and CEO Vincent McCaskill expressed gratitude for being chosen a Neighborhood Champion for the second straight year.
“We support students, teachers, classrooms, and the communities in which they live,” said McCaskill.
“This $25,000 will be directed toward homelessness and the children who are affected. Last week, more than 1,700 students were classified as homeless. We are working with the Community Alliance For the Homeless to ensure the needs of homeless families are met.”
In Memphis, three nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Champions since 2019, with the bank investing more than $460,000 into these local organizations.
The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee of community leaders and past Neighborhood Champion honorees.
The Neighborhood Champions program is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country.
Through 2021, Bank of America has invested $6.3 million in 126 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.
Also honored this year were:
- Agape Child and Family Services
- City Year Memphis
- CodeCrew
- Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South
- Innovate Memphis
- University of Memphis Foundation
- Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association
- Christ Community Health
- Dress for Success
- Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
- Wolf River Conservancy
- Let’s Innovate Through Education
- Habitat for Humanity
- Memphis Botanic Garden
- Mid-South Minority Council
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation
- Hattiloo Theatre
- New Memphis
- Mid-South Food Bank
GALLERY
