These KC nonprofits showed resiliency; their reward: $200K grants from Bank of America

Bank of America this fall continued the 20-year run for its Neighborhood Builder grants program, awarding two Kansas City nonprofits with $200,000 grants and access to exclusive leadership training resources and a national network of nonprofit peers.

The 2024 honorees are Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy and Cultivate Kansas City — tapped for their work in community development and small business resiliency. Funding awards are spread over two years. 

Matt Linski, Bank of America

“This year we celebrate 20 years of strengthening Kansas City nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement,” said Matt Linski, president, Bank of America Kansas City.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, 35 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Kansas City, with the bank’s investment totaling $7 million in philanthropic capital and leadership training for the selected organizations.  

“Providing these nonprofits with flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training helps them address critical needs and create meaningful lasting change in our communities,” Linski said. “Countless individuals, families and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact that these 40 Neighborhood Builder nonprofits have had in Kansas City over the past two decades.” 

One of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, the Neighborhood Builders has invested more than $300 million into nearly 1,800 nonprofits and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills, according to Bank of America.

“This funding will support both the leadership development of our dedicated team and the delivery of a high-quality education to our scholars,” said Dr. Nicole Smith, interim CEO at Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy — Kansas City’s first and only public single-gender school.

Often described as a social justice organization in the shape of a school, Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy’s mission is to inspire young women to use their voices, succeed in college and lead impactful, meaningful lives. The organization directly addresses the root cause of the learning gaps that result from inequitable access to high quality schools. Grant funding is expected to provide leadership development of their team, as well as provide quality education to their scholars.

“Together, we are addressing systemic barriers, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to succeed,” Smith said. “This partnership strengthens our efforts to close the achievement gap and build a brighter future for our community.”

Representatives of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy are presented with their award from Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program; photo courtesy of Bank of America

Neighborhood Builders is part of Bank of America’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with funding awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees.

Past Kansas City Neighborhood Builders include Bridging The Gap, Mattie Rhodes Center, Pawsperity, El Centro, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, and Literacy KC.

From the archives: Bank of America awards $200K to Pawsperity, a social venture startup supporting struggling parents

2024 grant winner Cultivate Kansas City is a leader in Kansas City’s food system, empowering farm businesses to work in partnership with the community to increase healthy food access for all. 

“We are honored to receive this grant from Bank of America, which will be instrumental in furthering our operation to empower local farm businesses and expand access to healthy food throughout Kansas City,” said Brien Darby, executive director of Cultivate Kansas City.

The organization was the first in the Kansas City area to provide one-on-one support and technical assistance tailored to the needs of the urban farming audience. The bank’s funding will support general operations, and the establishment of a new Wyandotte County Kansas based Farm Park over the next two years.

“This partnership will help us foster a stronger, more equitable food system that serves the entire community, and we look forward to the positive change it will bring,” Darby said.