Program Provides $200,000 to Each Nonprofit plus Leadership Training to Expand Critical Services Locally
Columbus, OH – Bank of America has named YMCA of Central Ohio and Goodwill Columbus as its 2026 Neighborhood Builders® for their work advancing community development, supporting youth, promoting housing stability, and expanding career pathways for vulnerable communities. Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership development, while providing unique multiyear funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide.
Both YMCA of Central Ohio and Goodwill Columbus will be awarded $200,000 over two years as well as comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers.
“Our local nonprofits are crucial to promoting economic opportunity and addressing local challenges in Columbus,” said Andy Noll, President, Bank of America Columbus. “Through funding and extensive leadership training, the Neighborhood Builders program helps nonprofits address critical needs and create lasting change for individuals and families in our communities.”
YMCA of Central Ohio serves more than 150,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This new grant funding will provide case management at Cobblestone Manor, a senior affordable housing community, to support residents’ mental and physical health, safety, and social needs. Cobblestone Manor serves a unique population of senior citizens who want to remain independent, yet may face chronic health conditions, serious mental health illness, substance abuse, extremely low income, and some have experienced homelessness or institutionalization.
“As Central Ohio grows, so does the need for affordable housing and services that help our most vulnerable neighbors live with stability and dignity,” said Tony Collins, President and CEO of YMCA of Central Ohio. “We are incredibly grateful for Bank of America’s investment, which will strengthen support and housing stability resources for seniors at Cobblestone Manor while advancing our long-term vision to expand access to childcare, health and housing to help more people build healthier, more secure futures.”
Goodwill Columbus is one of the region’s largest job providers, employing individuals with diverse backgrounds since 1939 and supporting those facing economic barriers to employment. The bank’s $200,000 in funding will strengthen Goodwill Columbus’ workforce development services and expand career pathways that lead to long-term economic mobility. It will sustain existing services that help individuals access training and retain jobs, while establishing new initiatives such as the Pharmacy Technician program.
“Moving our communities forward takes businesses and nonprofits working together to create opportunity,” said Ryan Burgess, President and CEO of Goodwill Columbus. “Bank of America’s investment is a powerful example of that partnership. This funding will help us expand training and career pathways so more people can build lasting economic stability, while the leadership development will strengthen our ability to serve Central Ohio for years to come.”
Neighborhood Builders is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Since 2004, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. and trained more than 4,000 leaders at nearly 2,000 U.S. nonprofits.