Bank of America Awards $400,000 to Habitat for Humanity Portland Region and Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon Bank of America has announced that Habitat for Humanity Portland Region and Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) are the 2023 Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work advancing economic mobility and building up neighborhoods in the Portland community. This multiyear grant funding and extensive leadership training for the nonprofits’ management teams, programs and services, will grow their impact on affordable housing and entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for underserved communities. 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 and human capital management, to strategic storytelling and the opportunity to join a national network of peer organizations. Each 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 Roger Hinshaw, president, Bank of America Portland. “Both of these nonprofits are addressing critical needs in our community, and we are thrilled to provide flexible funding and leadership training that supports sustainable, longterm success so they can continue to serve communities of color and promote economic mobility and stability through homeownership and entrepreneurship.” The Neighborhood Builders program is invitation-only and highly competitive. Nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Builders awardees. Thirty-one nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Portland since 2004, with the bank investing $6.2 million into these local nonprofits. Community Bank Charity Drive Raises More than $29,000 for Local Charities Community Bank’s annual Charity Drive, held from November 28 to December 20, successfully raised more than $29,000 to support local charities in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. To kick off the initiative, a special match day was held on Giving Tuesday, November 28, where all funds collected were matched dollar for dollar by Community Bank, up to $1,000. The generosity extended through the second match period, from November 29 to December 20, when all donations were matched dollar for dollar, up to $1,000, with a minimum match of $500 per location. “The spirit of giving is alive and well in our communities,” said Community Bank President and CEO Tom Moran. “It’s always amazing to see people come together to help these organizations thrive.” First Federal Issues Another Round of Community Grants Totaling $10,000 Through its Community Grants Program, which funds Yamhill County charitable organizations for special projects and other nonoperational needs, First Federal awarded funds to the following organizations: y $4,000 to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum to fund a job shadowing program for McMinnville High School Students. y $1,000 to “See Ya Later” for their Seeds of Hope Program that supports families with a member who is suffering from acute life-threatening conditions. y $2,000 to Yamhill Enrichment Society to fund their Imagination Library that provides books to families at no cost. y $2,000 to West Valley Community Campus to fund the costs of permits for their campus remodel. y $1,000 to Yamhill County 4-H’s “Nerd Herd” Robotics team for their Robotics competition. 40 Winter 2024 • BANKING MATTERS
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