GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Bank of America celebrated its annual “Day of Giving” in Grand Rapids by recognizing its 2024 nonprofit partners in West Michigan, bank employee volunteers and overall community impact for the year.  

 

The Day of Giving began with more than 100 bank employees volunteering at six local nonprofit organizations, including Kids Food Basket, Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Family Promise of West Michigan, Lansing Food Bank and Streams of Hope. The day also featured a market-wide celebration luncheon, and culminated in a grand “GIVE” holiday reception attended by local community and nonprofit leaders, bank employees and alumni of the Bank of America Student Leaders® program.

 

Bank of America Grand Rapids awarded $1.215 million in grants to 24 nonprofits through sponsorships and events, employee giving and initiatives such as its Leader on Loan program. Additionally, bank employees logged over 5,200 hours volunteering and participated on the boards of 77 nonprofits. These nonprofit partners are improving lives of individuals and families throughout West Michigan by investing in emergency shelter, affordable housing, food and financial education.

 

“Every year, I am amazed at the enthusiasm and dedication of our Bank of America volunteers on Day of Giving and throughout the year,” said Renee Tabben, president, Bank of America Grand Rapids. “By working with our community partners to create consistent pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, essential services and community enhancement experiences, we are creating a better future for Grand Rapids.”

 

Organizations receiving grants this year include: 

 

§  City of Grand Rapids GROW 1000 Academy    

§  Economic Club of Grand Rapids

§  Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding

§  Family Promise

§  Grand Rapids Art Museum

§  Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

§  Grand Rapids Pride Center

§  Grand Rapids Public Museum

§  Grand Rapids Symphony

§  Housing Kent

§  Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes    

§  Kent County Habitat for Humanity

§  Kids Food Basket

§  Lakeshore Advantage

§  Lansing Food Bank

§  Latin Americans United for Progress

§  Latins Network of West Michigan

§  Safe Haven Ministries

§  Streams of Hope                             

§  The Right Place

§  West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce          

§  West Michigan Spartans

§  Women’s Resource Center

§  World Affairs Council

 

At “GIVE,” the bank announced Housing Kent as the bank’s 2024 Neighborhood Champion. As a collective impact organization, Housing Kent strategically brings together people from all sectors to increase access to affordable housing and dissolve homelessness. Housing Kent supports the work of the Housing Stability Alliance, which is a network of 130 individuals and public and private organizations, working toward a housing system that works for all residents of Kent County.

 

“Housing Kent is honored to have been selected as Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champion grant recipient,” said Eureka People, CEO, Housing Kent. “As the backbone of the Housing Stability Alliance, we're committed to creating a housing system in Kent County that works for everyone. The flexible funding and targeted leadership development will enhance our role as a system leader by providing opportunities for our team to expand professional networks, cultivate new skills, and continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions. We’re excited to deepen our impact in advancing our mission of housing stability for all.”

 

The GIVE holiday celebration also recognized the contributions of Alejandro Marcelo and Karinna Martinez, the 2024 Bank of America Grand Rapids Student Leaders, who gained valuable experience during their summer internships with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP).

 

“The impact of the Bank of America student leaders at LAUP was pivotal in advancing our initiatives, demonstrating exceptional leadership, empathy and understanding of our clients' needs,” said Johnny Rodriguez, president and CEO, LAUP. “Their dedication and innovative thinking strengthened our capacity-building and event planning, resulting in the successful launch of our first-ever community Lunch and Learn. During our summer ¡Fiesta!, they engaged with the community empathetically and effectively, often communicating in Spanish, and coming alongside each client to align perfectly with our mission. Their adaptability and valuable insights created a culture of growth and learning, consistently challenging us to think creatively and achieve greater impact.”

 

Bank of America in Grand Rapids awarded more than $6.7 million to fund partner initiatives over the past decade, and its employees have spent thousands of hours supporting these important organizations.  

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