Bank of America Names Polk County Housing Trust Fund as 2025 Neighborhood Builder®

Bank of America has named the Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder® for their work in providing affordable housing in Iowa. This recognition highlights the importance of nonprofit organizations in addressing critical community needs.

The Importance of Nonprofit Leadership

Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership development. It provides multi-year, flexible grant funding to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide. This support is essential for fostering sustainable growth and addressing pressing social issues.

As a Neighborhood Builder, Polk County Housing Trust Fund will receive a $50,000 grant over two years. This funding will be accompanied by leadership training for both the executive director and an emerging leader. Additionally, PCHTF will have the opportunity to connect with other nonprofits through a peer network.

Addressing Local Challenges

“Our local nonprofits are crucial to addressing local challenges in Iowa," said Heidi Parkhurst, president of Bank of America Iowa. “Through flexible funding and comprehensive leadership training, the Neighborhood Builders program helps nonprofits address critical needs and promote economic opportunity for the individuals and families in our communities.”

This statement underscores the vital role that local organizations play in creating positive change. The grant will be invested in the newly announced Housing Opportunities for Preservation and Expansion (HOPE) Initiative. This initiative is designed to preserve single-family housing, expand multifamily housing, and support talent development in building trades and housing development in Polk County.

The HOPE Initiative

The HOPE Initiative includes two key programs. PCHTF has previously announced the Develop the Developer Launchpad, a two-week classroom experience and co-development fellowship for emerging real estate developers. This program aims to equip new developers with the skills necessary to succeed in the housing market.

In addition, the organization will soon announce the Work That Impacts Housing Program. This program focuses on preserving and improving owner-occupied homes while creating workforce development opportunities through a six-month pre-apprenticeship program in the building trades. Such initiatives are crucial for fostering a skilled workforce and ensuring that housing remains accessible.

A Grassroots Approach

“We are grateful to Bank of America for supporting these new programs that will address the lack of affordable housing in Polk County by tackling the issue locally and utilizing a grassroots approach,” said Toby O’Berry, executive director at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. This grassroots approach is vital for ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

Building Thriving Communities

Neighborhood Builders is part of Bank of America’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. Since 2004, the Neighborhood Builders program has invested more than $346 million in communities across the U.S. and trained over 4,000 leaders at nearly 2,000 U.S. nonprofits.

The impact of this investment is significant. By empowering local organizations, Bank of America is helping to create a more equitable society. The work of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund is a testament to the positive change that can occur when communities are supported.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recognition of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund as a Neighborhood Builder is a significant step forward in the fight for affordable housing in Iowa. With the support of Bank of America, PCHTF is poised to make a lasting impact on the community. Through innovative programs and a commitment to grassroots solutions, they are addressing the critical needs of individuals and families in Polk County.

By investing in leadership development and providing essential resources, Bank of America is helping to create a brighter future for communities across the nation. The work being done by PCHTF is a vital part of this mission, and it serves as an example of how local organizations can drive meaningful change.