Bank of America Marks 20 Years of Neighborhood Builders Program, Recognizes Two Portland Area Awardees

$400,000 in 2024 Grants Plus Leadership Development to Scale Impact

Bank of America is awarding $400,000 in grants to two Portland-area nonprofits as part of its Neighborhood Builders® program, now in its 20th year of providing multiyear flexible funding and leadership training to high-impact nonprofits driving economic mobility in local communities. This year, the bank has named Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland and the James Beard Public Market as its 2024 Neighborhood Builders for their work to advance economic mobility.

Through the Neighborhood Builders award, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland and the James Beard Public Market will each receive a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for each organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. Since the program’s inception in 2004, 40 Portland-area nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders, 80 nonprofit leaders have received training, with $8 million in philanthropic capital delivered to date.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland and the James Beard Public Market are forging pathways toward stronger, healthier, and more economically stable futures for individuals, families and our entire region,” said Roger Hinshaw, president of Bank of America Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Neighborhood Builders program in Portland highlights Bank of America’s longstanding commitment to empowering nonprofits to scale their impact and drive meaningful change in our communities.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland is dedicated to empowering young people to discover their potential. Through a new workforce development initiative, the nonprofit will be able to help seed transformative change with the integration of a matched savings account program designed to empower next generation leaders to break cycles of financial trauma by learning healthy money habits toward building multi-generational wealth. 

“Bank of America’s grant enables us to expand our career development programs, providing more teens with the tools and opportunities to build brighter futures,” said Terry Johnson, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland. “We are grateful for this support and look forward to growing our impact in the community.”

James Beard Public Market

Slated to open in 2025, the James Beard Public Market will be a daily, year-round hub in downtown Portland dedicated to honoring James Beard’s legacy and celebrating Oregon’s food and culture. By enhancing access to affordable nutrition, supporting sustainable agriculture, and providing economic opportunities for small businesses, the market will drive positive change in the community. Its inclusive food space, featuring a teaching kitchen, farm stands, and more, making it a market for all.

“The James Beard Public Market is deeply honored to be selected as a Bank of America Neighborhood Builder. This prestigious recognition underscores Bank of America’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting emerging entrepreneurs, and providing economic opportunities to underserved communities,” said Jessica Elkan, executive director of the James Beard Public Market. “With their support, this catalytic project will not only transform our city but will create a ripple effect throughout our state and region, positioning Oregon as a global culinary capital. We are grateful to Bank of America for their leadership and partnership in making this vision a reality.”

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Bank of America is your pass to arts and culture! The first full weekend of every month, present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit cards at Portland Art Museum, the Japanese Garden, OMSI, or over 150 museums across the country to receive complimentary general admission. Learn more at museums.bankofamerica.com.