Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc have been named as the 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work advancing economic mobility in the Nashville community.
As a Neighborhood Builder, each organization receives a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, joins a network of peer organizations across the U.S., and gets the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. The program continues to be the nation's largest investment into nonprofit leadership development.
"Both of these organizations truly exemplify what it means to be a Neighborhood Builder by working tirelessly each day to provide medical care and housing to Nashvillians who need it most," said Tyson Moore, president, Bank of America Nashville. "Their latest projects have the potential to change hundreds of lives for the better and we look forward to seeing how this investment helps them accomplish their goals."
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville plans to use the grant, along with other community contributions, to help renovate the historic African-American Parkwood Community ballfields, create a six-acre Metro Park with walking trails and other amenities, and construct 26 affordable Habitat for Humanity homes in an under-resourced area of Nashville.
"We are very grateful for Bank of America's partnership, bringing people together to build better lives and communities," said Danny Herron, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. "Their investment in this exciting collaboration will help to preserve an important piece of African-American baseball history, provide greenspace in an underserved area, and provide additional affordable homeownership opportunities for working men and women in our community."
Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. plans to use the grant, along with other contributions, to fund their Healthcare Training Program. The program will provide employment training and workforce development in the healthcare field to low-income adults living in North Nashville and will enhance the employability and competencies of community members.
"The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award allows Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. to continue the vision and legacy of our founder, Dr. Matthew Walker, to ensure our organization serves as a beacon of light and hope in the community," said Katina R. Beard, Chief Executive Officer of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Inc. "The Health Through Employment Apprenticeship Program will allow individuals to have an opportunity to begin a career in health care and change the trajectory of their lives and their family."
Since 2004, Bank of America Nashville has invested $5.6 million dollars into 28 local nonprofits through the Neighborhood Builders program.
In 2021 alone, the Bank of America Foundation has given more than $1.7 million in grants to Nashville area nonprofits to provide basic needs and a path to economic freedom to local families.
The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year's awardees. Neighborhood Builders is just one example of how Bank of America deploys capital in communities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and promotes socioeconomic progress as part of its approach to responsible growth.