Photo caption: Kevin Ziek, Bank of America; Christine Delvecchio, Bank of America; Tammy Matthew, Bank of America; Melanie Toth, Bank of America; Lily Tysinger, Project LIFT.
Grants to Project Lift and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County address needs of individuals and families.
Bank of America recently announced more than $120,000 in grants to seven Treasure Coast nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful and sustainable progress to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. In Martin County, Project LIFT and the Boys & Girls Club of Martin County (BGCMC) received grants to expand the nonprofits’ current operations and support those in need. This first round of grants the company awards to local nonprofits throughout the year is focused on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health and jobs.
With 10% of Martin County residents living at or below federal poverty levels, there is a clear need for workforce development and skills training to meet the needs of employers unable to find the talent to operate and grow their businesses. Economic growth is directly correlated to a community’s access to quality education, skills training and employment opportunities. Bank of America is focused on supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including education, upskilling and reskilling programs that will help individuals and families stabilize and advance.
“Partnering with these nonprofits to address important issues like workforce development and skills training is part of our commitment to creating lasting change on the Treasure Coast,” said Susan Rabinowitz, president, Bank of America Treasure Coast. “Investing in Treasure Coast nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”
The bank’s grant to Project LIFT invests in Martin County young adults by providing paid apprenticeships in skilled trades for at-risk youth, while also providing mentoring, career coaching, and mental health services. By training students in areas such as carpentry and construction, auto repair, welding and electrical, Project LIFT attracts employers seeking prospective employees, allowing for job placement and a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. More than 75% of teens who complete the apprenticeship have found employment with industry partners.
“Project LIFT is truly grateful for the longtime support from Bank of America. This funding is critical to helping us improve economic mobility for the teens and young adults we serve by addressing barriers to mental health and employment,” said Bob Zaccheo, CEO, Project LIFT. “Through this partnership, we will train and employ hundreds of at-risk youth in our community.”
The bank’s grant to BGCMC supports the organization’s workforce programs, offering support to students through year-round courses in areas like culinary arts, skilled trades, unmanned flight and virtual reality workforce training. Through these courses, BGCMC aims to create economic opportunity and develop career pathways for its students.
“Skilled trade programs for teenagers are essential because they provide practical experience, foster independence, and open pathways to rewarding careers,” said Sarah Torres, chief of staff, Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County. “These programs not only equip young people with valuable, hands-on skills, but also ensure they can navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing world by building their confidence and resilience.”
Other organizations receiving grants on the Treasure Coast include Jesus House of Hope, Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County, Treasure Coast Food Bank, United Against Poverty and Youth Guidance.
These grants build on the $2.5 million in grants and matching gifts Bank of America awarded to Treasure Coast organizations since 2019 and are part of the bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting economic opportunity for diverse people and communities.
Additional background about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation giving can be found here.
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 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 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).
