CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KGAN) — Two Cedar Rapids nonprofit organizations are getting a chunk of cash after a round of grants issued by Bank of America.
According to Bank of America, Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids received $10,000 and another Cedar Rapids nonprofit, Women Lead Change, got $15,000.
Waypoint provides services for those impacted by violence, housing instability, and poverty, along with people who need access to quality, affordable child care.
Women Lead Change is a local nonprofit focused on developing and empowering female leaders. BoA says WLC plans to use its grant to further its mission, providing comprehensive leadership resources and trainings to advance women in the workforce.
The awards are part of $160,000 in grants provided by Bank of America to 11 nonprofits across Iowa.
BoA says it’s hoping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with this first round of economic mobility grants focused on improving people’s lives and investing in health and jobs. The bank says the grants build on the $3.5 million it’s already invested in Iowa since 2018 and is part of the bank’s “longstanding commitment to supporting economic opportunity for diverse people and communities.”
“Partnering with Iowa nonprofit organizations to address important issues like family stabilization, youth development programs, and workforce empowerment is part of our commitment to creating real change in Iowa,” Bank of America Iowa President Heidi Parkhurst said. “Investing in Iowa’s nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”
Other Iowa organizations included in this round of grants include:
- Ballet Theater of Des Moines
- By Degrees Foundation
- Food Bank of Iowa
- Iowa Health System
- Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
- Junior Achievement of Central Iowa
- Oakridge Neighborhood Services
- River Bend Food Bank
- Urban Dreams
In Iowa, the labor market has a higher demand than the current workforce can supply. According to the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, there are more than 56,000 current job openings,” Bank of America said in a press release this week. “Access to quality education, stable housing and skills development are critical to Iowa’s economic growth and workforce success. That’s why the bank focuses on supporting a range of workforce development opportunities including education and upskilling and reskilling programs that will help individuals and families stabilize and advance.
Source: cbs2iowa.com
