Bank of America marked its annual “Day of Giving” in Grand Rapids with a spotlight on its 2024 nonprofit partners, employees, and the bank’s community impact throughout the year. The event showcased a commitment of $1.215 million in grants to 24 local organizations, emphasizing the bank’s ongoing investment in West Michigan’s social and economic well-being.
The Day of Giving kicked off with over 100 Bank of America employees volunteering at six local nonprofits: Kids Food Basket, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Family Promise of West Michigan, Lansing Food Bank, and Streams of Hope. Volunteers spent the day assisting with various projects, underscoring the bank’s support for community-based initiatives. A market-wide luncheon followed, and the celebration culminated in a grand “GIVE” holiday reception, during which it was announced that Housing Kent would be the recipient of the 2024 Neighborhood Champion award.
“Housing Kent is honored to have been selected as Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champion grant recipient,” said Eureka People, CEO, Housing Kent. “As the backbone of the Housing Stability Alliance, we’re committed to creating a housing system in Kent County that works for everyone. The flexible funding and targeted leadership development will enhance our role as a system leader by providing opportunities for our team to expand professional networks, cultivate new skills, and continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions. We’re excited to deepen our impact in advancing our mission of housing stability for all.”
Throughout 2024, Bank of America’s Grand Rapids branch invested more than $1.2 million in the region through employee giving, corporate sponsorships, and impactful programs like the Leader on Loan initiative. In addition to financial support, the bank’s employees contributed over 5,200 volunteer hours and served on the boards of 77 nonprofit organizations. These partnerships focus on addressing critical community needs, including emergency shelter, affordable housing, food security, and financial education.
“Every year, I am amazed at the enthusiasm and dedication of our Bank of America volunteers on Day of Giving and throughout the year,” said Renee Tabben, president, Bank of America Grand Rapids.
Recipients of Bank of America’s 2024 grants include organizations such as the City of Grand Rapids GROW 1000 Academy, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Family Promise, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony, Housing Kent, Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes, Kids Food Basket, and the Women’s Resource Center, among others. These organizations work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and families across West Michigan.
Housing Kent, a collective impact organization, is dedicated to increasing access to affordable housing and addressing homelessness in Kent County. The organization plays a key role in the Housing Stability Alliance, a network of over 130 individuals and organizations working to create a more inclusive housing system for all local residents.
The celebration also recognized Alejandro Marcelo and Karinna Martinez, the 2024 Bank of America Grand Rapids Student Leaders, who completed impactful internships with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) during the summer.
“The impact of the Bank of America student leaders at LAUP was pivotal in advancing our initiatives, demonstrating exceptional leadership, empathy and understanding of our clients’ needs,” said Johnny Rodriguez, president and CEO, LAUP. The Student Leaders program provides high school juniors and seniors with leadership development opportunities through paid internships with local nonprofits.
Bank of America has awarded more than $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in West Michigan over the past decade, with employees contributing thousands of volunteer hours. Through these efforts, the bank continues to strengthen its commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive community.
The full list of organizations receiving 2024 grants are as follows: City of Grand Rapids GROW 1000 Academy, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Family Promise, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony, Housing Kent, Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes, Kent County Habitat for Humanity, Kids Food Basket, Lakeshore Advantage, Lansing Food Bank, Latin Americans United for Progress, Latins Network of West Michigan, Safe Haven Ministries, Streams of Hope, The Right Place, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Spartans, Women’s Resource Center, and World Affairs Council.
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