Memphis nonprofits receive more than $340,000 in funding from Bank of America

By Corey Davis – Reporter, Memphis Business Journal

Jul 7, 2021

Several local nonprofits have received an assist from one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S.

Bank of America recently announced more than $340,000 in support to 11 Memphis-area nonprofits. The funding is focused on creating economic opportunities and upward mobility for individuals and families, including access to food, shelter, and health services, as well as educational and workforce development services.

Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America Memphis, said the pandemic underscored the importance of safe, decent housing for individuals and brought to the forefront COVID's impact on vulnerable populations — particularly those who have experienced increased unemployment and higher COVID-19 infection levels.

“That is why it is necessary for us to partner with organizations that are doing high-impact work and addressing the economic and social conditions that are affecting our communities,” Chatman said.

SchoolSeed Foundation, an organization started in Memphis in 2009 to help provide strong educational opportunities for local youth, is one of the 11 local nonprofits receiving Bank of America funding support.

Vince McCaskill, president and CEO of SchoolSeed, said the organization was given $25,000 by Bank of America to help aid its work around equity via the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots for students coming from severely impoverished homes.

During the pandemic, Bank of America gave SchoolSeed $25,000 to support personal protective equipment (PPE) at Shelby County Schools.

“I learned working with the Bank of America Charitable Foundation that they have some major core areas and one of them surrounds equity and community access. They have reached out, put their money where their mouth is, and come out [with] hands-on support in different ways," McCaskill said. "There are a number of nonprofits that are working in their unique lane to fill the gap where they can, so it’s always good to have a company … willing to get in and help nonprofits fill [those gaps].”

Another nonprofit that received Bank of America funding is Christ Community Health Services — a community-based health organization — which provides comprehensive primary care, preventive care, and mental health and substance abuse services in the Memphis area. The organization received funds to help vaccinate residents during the pandemic.

"[Bank of America's] support to the community, education, and our patients is invaluable," Christ Community CEO Shantelle Leatherwood said. "Coming on as a partner during the pandemic helped us provide COVID-19 testing and the opportunity to vaccinate over 11,191 residents. As we move forward, their support of Christ Community's School-Based Health Center at East High will allow us to be proactive and ensure that Shelby County students' health insecurities are swiftly addressed."

Other organizations receiving grants include: