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Prestigious Award Recognizes Orangewood Foundation’s Impact on Transitional-Aged Youth in Orange County
The Orangewood Foundation grant award from Bank of America’s 2024 Neighborhood Builders program includes $200,000 in flexible funding, leadership training, and access to a national nonprofit network.
The Orangewood Foundation grant award was made possible through Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders® program, now in its 20th year, a highly competitive initiative designed to strengthen high-impact nonprofits addressing critical social and economic challenges. The selection of Orangewood Foundation highlights its longstanding commitment to serving transitional-aged youth, providing essential resources to help young people build stable, independent futures.
Alongside Orangewood Foundation, Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) was also named a 2024 Neighborhood Builder for its work supporting veterans with pro bono legal services. The two organizations join a growing list of Orange County nonprofits that have benefited from the Neighborhood Builders program, which has invested over $6.4 million locally since 2004.
A Legacy of Philanthropy & Leadership Investment
Since its inception, the Neighborhood Builders program has provided more than $300 million to nearly 1,800 nonprofits nationwide, with a focus on economic opportunity, workforce development, and community well-being.
The program is designed to do more than just provide financial support—it invests in leadership to ensure that nonprofits can scale their services and create long-term impact. Each year, a panel of community leaders and past awardees carefully selects organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, measurable outcomes, and the ability to drive meaningful change.
“For 20 years, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program has provided financial and leadership resources to help nonprofits thrive,” said Allen Staff, president of Bank of America Orange County. “This year, we’re excited to include Orangewood Foundation and Veterans Legal Institute as our 2024 Neighborhood Builders. These two nonprofits are filling a void in the Orange County community, supporting two populations often overlooked—veterans and transitional-aged youth.”
These two nonprofits are filling a void in the Orange County community, supporting two populations often overlooked—veterans and transitional-aged youth.
The leadership training component of the award will allow Orangewood Foundation’s executive team to develop long-term strategies to strengthen programs, enhance community partnerships, and better serve young people facing housing insecurity, educational barriers, and workforce challenges.
Orangewood Foundation Grant Award Expands Youth Services
For more than 40 years, Orangewood Foundation has served as a lifeline for foster youth and young adults facing adversity. The organization offers a comprehensive approach to support services, addressing housing, education, job readiness, and mental health needs.
With the flexibility of the Neighborhood Builders grant, Orangewood will be able to expand its programs to reach an additional 250 youth annually, providing them with critical services such as:
- Stable housing through Rising Tide and Lighthouse
- Job training and career coaching to help youth achieve financial independence
- Educational scholarships, mentorship, and academic support
- Access to mental health and wellness programs
By focusing on a holistic approach to youth empowerment, Orangewood ensures that young people not only overcome immediate challenges but build sustainable paths toward success.
The Lasting Impact of Neighborhood Builders
The Orangewood Foundation grant award underscores the growing need for support among transitional-aged youth, highlighting the value of investing in organizations that drive real impact.
By investing in Orangewood, Bank of America is reinforcing the importance of community-driven solutions that provide young people with the tools to succeed. The additional funding and leadership training will help Orangewood expand its reach, improve service delivery, and enhance long-term outcomes for youth.
As the foundation prepares for the next phase of growth, the Neighborhood Builders grant will serve as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability, ensuring that Orangewood continues to positively impact the lives of foster youth and young adults in Orange County.
To learn more about Orangewood Foundation’s work, visit www.orangewoodfoundation.org.
For more information on Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders program, visit newsroom.bankofamerica.com.
