MADISON, WI – Bank of America today announced the Urban League of Greater Madison as a 2023 Neighborhood Builders® awardee for their work advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods in Madison. Through this multi-year grant funding and extensive leadership training for the nonprofits’ leadership, programs and services addressing workforce development and barriers to economic mobility for underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners will be able to expand.
The Neighborhood Builders program is one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, providing comprehensive leadership training for an executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, and the opportunity to join a national network of peer organizations. The Builder is also awarded a $200,000 grant over two years.
“Nonprofits are vital to solving social challenges, improving communities and promoting economic advancement,” said Bryan Shurn, president, Bank of America Wisconsin. “Providing the Urban League of Greater Madison with flexible funding and leadership training not only positions this nonprofit for sustainable, long-term success, but also demonstrates our commitment to creating real change in the places where we live and work.”
Urban League of Greater Madison’s mission is to ensure that African Americans and other community members are educated, employed, and empowered to live well, advance professionally, and contribute to the common good in the 21st Century. Diversity and inclusion are key to the success of the organization and the communities they serve. This new grant funding will support the organization’s ability to expand its innovative Black Business Hub and Accelerator Project (BBHAP). The initiative promotes economic mobility and builds generational wealth through a four pillar strategy that includes training, coaching, mentorship, access to capital, affordable workspace and a Black led community of entrepreneurship.
“The Urban League of Greater Madison would like to thank Bank of America for this great partnership,” said Dr. Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., president & CEO of Urban League of Greater Madison. “Together we are committed to help train and support the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. We are able to advance The Hub because of support like this from great partners such as Bank of America.”
The invitation-only program is highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Builders awardees. This is the first nonprofit selected as a Neighborhood Builders in Madison since the bank announced its entry into retail in the market earlier this year.
Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.
