Bank of America Names Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers as its 2024 Buffalo Niagara Neighborhood Champion BFNC Receives a Multiyear Grant & Leadership Training
Bank of America today named Buffalo-based Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) as its 2024 Neighborhood Champion, recognizing the nonprofit’s work to provide community members with access to safe housing, secure employment, life skills, and essential mental health support. Now in its sixth year in Buffalo, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions® program provides multiyear flexible grant funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in nearly 40 communities nationwide. As a Neighborhood Champion, BFNC will receive a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s CEO and agency staff, access to technical coaching and a national network of nonprofit peers. “Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers provides our community with essential programs for youth, adults and seniors in underserved communities,” said Ted Janicki, president, Bank of America Buffalo Niagara.
“These services provide support, stability, and pathways to self-sufficiency for individuals and families in need. The Neighborhood Champions program will help BFNC expand its offerings and continue to support our neighbors here in Buffalo.” BFNC’s doors are open to all people and communities; the nonprofit offers youth programs, family support, housing assistance, mental health services, and financial coaching to empower underserved communities throughout Niagara and Erie counties.
This new grant funding will help BFNC expand training and professional development opportunities for agency leaders as the organization continues to provide innovative programming to assist community members as they navigate and overcome life obstacles. “Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions award offers agency leaders tools that can assist our team with the next phase of unlocking potential and enriching lives as we continue our outreach in the community,” said Chandra Redfern, CEO of Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers.
“By working with collaborative partners, we can create a larger safety net to fill the growing needs of our community.” Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Since 2019, Bank of America has invested over $9 million in more than 200 nonprofits within more than 40 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program. Past Buffalo Niagara Neighborhood Champions include Buffalo Go Green, Center for Employment Opportunities, Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology, Buffalo Urban League, and Habitat for Humanity Buffalo.
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