Bank of America has named Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware as one of its 2025 Neighborhood Builders for the organization’s work providing safe, supportive youth development programs. The nonprofit has been awarded a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, and access to a national network of nonprofit peers. Since the program’s inception, 35 nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Delaware, with the bank investing more than $7 million of philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.

Kelly Firment, Bank of America Delaware president, said, “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.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware provides critical before-school, after-school and summer programming that enables working families to thrive while preparing young people for future success. This new grant funding will strengthen organizational capacity by expanding the statewide Up Next teen initiative focused on workforce readiness, mentorship and mental wellness. Funding will also support investments in staff development, technology infrastructure and fundraising strategies to drive long-term sustainability and equitable economic mobility for Delaware youth.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware serves one out of every seven school-aged children in the state, providing safe, supportive environments where young people can learn, grow and prepare for their futures," said John Wellons, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware president and CEO. "The funding as part of the Neighborhood Builders grant will help us expand our career readiness and leadership development programming while strengthening our capacity to serve more working families who depend on quality, accessible childcare and youth development services.”