For 19 years, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has provided financial support and leadership training for nonprofits. Bank of America recently opened its new “7th and Olive” financial center in downtown Seattle. “Not only is the design of the center our new high-tech capability, still high-touch with our clients, but it’s in downtown Seattle,” said Jim Morehead, president, Bank of America Seattle. “We’re helping with the energy. Bringing people back downtown.” It’s important to Bank of America to address critical needs in the community. Its signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders, has been one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, providing comprehensive training for an executive director and an emerging leader. Each year in the Puget Sound region, two Neighborhood Builders are each awarded a $200,000 grant that spans two years and given extensive leadership training for the nonprofits’ leadership. The nonprofits selected for this competitive, invitation only program are addressing critical issues in our community, such as food insecurity and empowering communities of color. “We focus on economic stability and economic mobility and really trying to serve our community while we serve our financial clients,” Morehead said. The 2023 Neighborhood Builders are the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Emergency Food Network. The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle empowers African Americans and underserved communities through advocacy and civic engagement, education, housing, public health, entrepreneurship and workforce development programs in Seattle and King County. “We’re just so excited and thrilled that Bank of America is working with us and allowing us to expand our work,” said Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. “A lot of our work will focus on not only preparing future homeowners, but also developing affordable housing as well, so we’re really excited about this funding.” Emergency Food Network (EFN) is the sole nonprofit food distributor in Pierce County, serving more than 75 food pantries and hot meal sites, providing more than 12.2 million meals annually. “Emergency food is at a critical point right now,” said Michelle Douglas, CEO, EFN. “We’ve seen a 30% increase this year and higher numbers than even in the height of the COVID pandemic. So, the support for our organization is just critical and crucial at this juncture in time.” Bank of America is thrilled to help these two nonprofits serve our local communities. To learn more about the Neighborhood Builders program, visit the Bank of America website. Sponsored by Bank of America Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.