Worcester Community Action Council Receives $50,000 Grant

WORCESTER— Bank of America today announced the Worcester Community Action Council as a Neighborhood Champion, a recognition that includes both grant funding and leadership training. The Neighborhood Champions program supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility, and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Alongside Worcester, the bank will bring the program to over 40 additional communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities.

As part of the program, the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector. The Worcester Community Action Council’s mission is helping people in the city of Worcester and 45 surrounding communities move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.

“As we consider many of the challenges that our communities are facing – from the health and humanitarian crisis brought on by COVID-19 to the need for progress on racial equality and economic opportunity – the Neighborhood Champions program is a relevant and timely initiative to support the communities we serve,” said Edwin Shea, Market President, Bank of America in Central Massachusetts. “This program enables partners like the Worcester Community Action Council to plan strategically for growth and long-term sustainability, and we look forward to seeing how this investment helps them make even greater strides to address their mission.”

The Neighborhood Champions program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee. Examples of the topics for the virtual leadership training awarded include human capital management, increasing financial sustainability, and storytelling.

“These resources will be critical in helping WCAC further our mission in supporting the financial stability of our community members,” said WCAC Executive Director Marybeth Campbell. “We are thrilled to have been designated a Neighborhood Champion and greatly appreciate Bank of America’s support to expand both our financial empowerment services and community partnerships. We likewise look forward to the opportunity to support our staff’s leadership skills development.”

Since the program’s inception last year, Bank of America has invested $4.2 million in 84 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program. The Neighborhood Champions program in Worcester will strengthen the bank’s commitment to advancing economic mobility and nonprofit leadership.