Applications due Dec. 12
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 Needs of Individuals and Families request for proposals.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation develops strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. Bank of America focuses on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health, jobs, strengthening broader community vitality by addressing needs related to small business resiliency and community development. Through their partnerships they support vulnerable populations, including working families, youth, seniors, individuals living with disabilities, veterans and those impacted by the criminal justice system, enabling them to move forward toward their goals.
Economic Mobility Focused on the Needs of Individuals and Families
Health
Too many communities across the United States do not have equal access to what is needed to live healthier lives. Within under-resourced communities, generations of lack of access to care and health resources have contributed to poorer health outcomes. The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is focusing on programs and organizations that are working to address the economic and social conditions that influence family stability and an individual’s health, including access to quality community-based health services, crisis prevention tied to family stabilization programs, and other poverty-related issues.
Examples:
- Prevention and access to health care – Services that improve health outcomes with an emphasis on community-based health care, mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment and rehabilitation; services that address access to quality health care, including early detection and disease prevention; and capacity building and training for local community-based health centers and clinics.
- Food access and nutrition – Food-based health care partnerships; programs addressing fresh and nutritious food access; and programs that address dietary nutritional needs and education for persons with underlying health conditions (diabetes, cancer, heart health).
- 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.
Jobs
Employment is a key driver of economic mobility. That’s why the foundation is focused on building pathways to employment by supporting a range of workforce development opportunities, including education, upskilling and reskilling programs that will help individuals and families stabilize and advance.
Examples:
- Youth workforce development and employment – Nonprofit programs helping young people (14–24 years old) transition from education to meaningful employment (i.e. high school completion programs, skills training for hard and soft skills, early work experience, first-time employment and internships and/or apprenticeships, especially for disconnected youth).
- Skills training for adults through alternate routes – Nonprofit organizations providing adults with job preparedness, training, skill building, career counseling, placement, job retention and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Removing barriers to employment – Nonprofit organizations addressing obstacles that hinder individuals from securing and maintaining long-term employment (i.e. organizations serving individuals with disabilities, persons impacted by the justice system, recent immigrants/refugees/asylees, and foster care youth).
- Academic institutions and student support – Post-secondary institutions (vocational/technical college, community college, four-year university or other trade school) and nonprofit partners providing support services that are ensuring students, particularly diverse students, matriculate and achieve post-graduation success.
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/1923224 to submit an application for the internal LSO competition and to find additional information about the opportunity. The deadline for the internal competition is Dec. 12, 2023.
The selected nominee will submit their application to the sponsor by Feb. 16, 2024.
Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.