Bank of America has an exciting opportunity for area nonprofits:

At Bank of America, we believe that healthy communities are places where all of us want to live, work, raise families and pursue our dreams. The bank’s approach to charitable investments deploys philanthropic resources—including grants, volunteer and community programs—to help neighborhoods grow and prosper. The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative focuses on recognizing outstanding non-profits through the Neighborhood Builders award and those volunteers who make a difference in our community through the Local Heroes Award.    

What is a Neighborhood Builder? Nonprofit organizations working to improve their local communities are the cornerstones of vibrant neighborhoods. The work of these organizations and their dedicated leaders improves the quality of education, creates safer neighborhoods, builds more affordable housing, addresses critical social service needs, and brings about positive change in communities.

Neighborhood Builders recipients will:

• Receive $200,000 in general operating support — $100,000 annually for 2 years
• Benefit from specially designed leadership development programs:
  • Senior executives gather for two 4-day workshops. Topics include: strategic thinking; business planning; leadership development and succession planning; long-term business growth; and building a diverse funding base
  • Emerging leaders gather for three 4-day workshops. Topics include: developing organizational management skills, managing strategic opportunities, forging alliances, and building communities

Apply today for a 2008 Neighborhood Builder Award.  The deadline for submissions is June 27, 2008.

Please share this information with others who are interested in making a difference in our community.  For more information on the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, please contact me at 749-3131 or Trudy Mishev at 749-3405.