Applications due Jan. 22
These instructions are for VU investigators. VUMC investigators should contact LSO@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
Vanderbilt University may submit only one application to the Bank of America Charitable Foundation Grant Program. Applications may be submitted only for the “Economic mobility focused on the needs of individuals and families” request for proposals (RFP).
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation develops strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Bank of America focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in basic needs and workforce development and education, and also strengthening broader community vitality by addressing needs related to affordable housing, small business and neighborhood revitalization. Through their partnerships, they support vulnerable populations, including working families; youth and young adults out of school and work; seniors; individuals living with disabilities; veterans; and those impacted by the criminal justice system, enabling them to move forward toward their goals. In response to the ongoing challenges that people and communities of color face, Bank of America continues to work to advance racial equality and economic opportunity throughout many of their partnerships.
Economic mobility focused on the needs of individuals and families
Basic needs
Coronavirus has had a significant impact on all populations and a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations who have experienced increased unemployment and higher levels of infection. As we emerge from this crisis, Bank of America is focused on health and economic recovery. In response, they are partnering with organizations addressing the economic and social conditions that affect an individual’s health, access to community-based health services, crisis-prevention tied to family stabilization programs, and other poverty-related issues.
Examples:
- Access to health care and food – services that improve health outcomes with an emphasis on hunger relief and access to nutritious food, community-based health care, mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation.
- Family stabilization – access to crisis prevention programs and wrap services including help with immediate and safe shelter, free or subsidized benefits like internet access, utilities, child care, transportation, financial assistance and recovery.
- Services for the homeless – programs that prevent or end homelessness, such as emergency shelter, rapid-rehousing, rental and utility assistance and permanent supportive housing.
Workforce development and education
Employment is a key driver of economic mobility. Bank of America is focused on building pathways to employment by supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including education, upskilling and reskilling programs—meeting people where they are so that individuals and families can advance.
Examples:
- Youth employment – high school-completion programs, skills training (hard and soft skills), first-time employment, internships, apprenticeships and mentoring.
- Alternative pathways for adults – job preparedness, training, skills-building, college or vocational certification, career counseling, ESL education and training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and job placement and retention.
- Barriers to employment – organizations that help individuals overcome barriers to employment (individuals with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, foster care youth, individuals living in extreme poverty) through training, support services and housing.
- National service – national service opportunities for people to make a positive impact on their communities while developing marketable skills for employment.
Award information: While there are local variations, grant amounts in larger markets can range from $5,000 to $50,000. Grant amounts in smaller markets can range from $2,500 to $25,000. As a general guideline, the foundation does not make multiyear grants through this local grant RFP process.
See the program page and FAQs for more information.
Internal application instructions
Interested faculty should visit https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1892882 to submit an application for the internal LSO competition and to find additional information about the opportunity. The deadline for the internal competition is Jan. 22, 2023.
The selected nominee will submit their application to the sponsor by Feb. 17, 2023.
Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.