Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program supports nonprofit organizations through funding and leadership development to strengthen community impact. The program focuses on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and empowered communities to promote long-term economic mobility. Eligible U.S. nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in designated markets and aligned with program priorities.
Programme Overview
The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program is a flagship initiative of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.
It is designed to:
- Strengthen nonprofit organizations through funding and leadership training
- Improve community-level economic mobility
- Support long-term, sustainable social impact
- Build organizational capacity for local nonprofits
The programme combines financial support with leadership development to maximize nonprofit effectiveness.
Core Funding Priorities
The programme focuses on four key impact areas:
Basic Needs
- Access to food
- Access to shelter and housing
- Access to healthcare and essential services
Income Creation
- Job training and skill development
- Mentorship and workforce readiness
- Entrepreneurship support and business growth
- Work experience opportunities
Stable Housing
- Affordable housing access
- Housing stability and long-term security
- Support for reducing housing insecurity
Empowered Communities
- Community engagement and participation
- Strengthening local leadership
- Addressing systemic social and economic challenges
- Building long-term community resilience
Programme Philosophy and Approach
The initiative is guided by Bank of America’s mission of Responsible Growth, which focuses on improving financial lives and expanding economic opportunity.
Key development pathway:
- Step 1: Meet basic needs (food, shelter, safety)
- Step 2: Enable personal and professional development
- Step 3: Support income generation and financial stability
- Step 4: Strengthen housing stability and community connections
- Step 5: Build empowered and self-sustaining communities
This model emphasizes long-term economic mobility and community transformation.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organizations must:
- Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
- Not be classified as a private foundation
- Not operate through a fiscal sponsor or fiscal agent
- Be based in and serve designated Bank of America markets
- Align with at least one funding priority area
Ineligible applicants include:
- Organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected categories
- Individuals seeking scholarships or fellowships
- Political organizations
- Labor organizations
- Fraternal organizations
- Civic clubs
- Government or municipal agencies
- Endowment funds
Funding Scope and Requirements
Key programme conditions:
- Funding supports nonprofit capacity building and community impact
- Must align with basic needs, income creation, housing, or community empowerment
- Organizations must demonstrate clear local impact within eligible markets
Funding is intended to strengthen both organizational leadership and community outcomes.
How the Programme Works / How to Apply
Application Process
- Review eligibility and funding priorities
- Ensure organizational compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements
- Confirm service delivery in eligible Bank of America markets
- Submit application through the official programme process
- Demonstrate alignment with one or more priority areas
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Alignment with funding priorities
- Strength of community impact
- Organizational capacity and leadership potential
- Ability to deliver measurable outcomes
- Commitment to economic mobility and inclusion
Programme Components
Selected organizations typically receive:
- Financial support for community programming
- Leadership development opportunities
- Capacity-building resources
- Strategic guidance and partnership support
Why This Programme Matters
The Neighborhood Builders Program is important because it:
- Strengthens nonprofit leadership and sustainability
- Expands access to essential services in underserved communities
- Supports long-term economic mobility
- Helps reduce housing and income inequality
- Builds stronger, more resilient local communities
It combines funding with leadership development to create lasting systemic impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without 501(c)(3) status
- Operating outside eligible Bank of America markets
- Failing to align with at least one funding priority
- Submitting incomplete organizational documentation
- Using a fiscal sponsor (not allowed under eligibility rules)
- Lack of clear community impact strategy
- Ignoring program focus on economic mobility outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neighborhood Builders Program?
It is a Bank of America initiative that funds and supports nonprofits through leadership development and community impact funding.
Who can apply?
Eligible U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status operating in designated Bank of America markets.
What areas does the program support?
Basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and empowered communities.
Does the program only provide funding?
No, it also provides leadership development and capacity-building support.
Can individuals apply?
No, the program is only for eligible nonprofit organizations.
Are fiscal sponsors allowed?
No, organizations must apply directly and cannot operate through fiscal agents.
What is the program’s main goal?
To strengthen nonprofits and improve economic mobility in local communities.
Conclusion
The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program is a structured nonprofit support initiative that combines funding with leadership development to strengthen communities. By focusing on basic needs, income generation, housing stability, and empowerment, it promotes long-term economic opportunity and sustainable community growth.
For more information, visit Bank of America Charitable Foundation.