The Central Valley was on the receiving end of some major donations from Bank of America in 2019, setting a record for them in the area.

This year, Bank of America has directed $500,000 to local nonprofits and communities across Fresno, Tulare and Merced counties. According to a news release from the bank, the funding was aimed at supplementing resources for individuals and families working toward financial stability, broadening access to workforce development and educational programs and expanding gateways to “basic needs that are fundamental to building lifelong stability.”

“As a company and a major employer, Bank of America recognizes that we have a responsibility to serve our clients, take care of our teammates, deliver for our shareholders and help make progress on social priorities,” said Mark Riley, Bank of America market president for Fresno/Visalia. “By directing philanthropic human and thought capital locally, we can help address the most pressing needs in our local communities.”

The bank also expanded two major programs to the region — the Student Leaders, a paid summer internship that gave two high school students the opportunity to volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club — and Neighborhood Champions, which provided key funding for the Central Valley Community Foundation’s Fresno DRIVE campaign.

Beyond philanthropic dollars, local bank employees also donated 6,000 hours to local causes this year.