Bank of America has named Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder® for its work to build self-reliance through safe, stable, and affordable housing in the greater Augusta region.

Bank of America’s signature Neighborhood Builders program continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, while providing unique multiyear flexible grant funding annually to high-impact nonprofits in communities nationwide.

As a Neighborhood Builder, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader, and the opportunity to connect with nonprofits in a peer network. Since the program’s inception, seven nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Builders in Augusta-Aiken, with the bank investing more than $300,000 in philanthropic capital into these nonprofits.  

“Our local nonprofits are crucial to addressing local challenges in Augusta," said Ora Parish, president, Bank of America Augusta-Aiken. “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.”

Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity empowers families for long-term success through homeownership. For nearly 40 years, they have partnered with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen neighborhoods and promote equitable access to housing. This new grant funding will launch their Leadership Blueprint initiative, bringing together leaders from business, government and nonprofit sectors to work side-by-side constructing a home for a local family.

“At Augusta Habitat for Humanity, we’ve always believed that affordable housing is more than just building homes,” said Bernadette Kelliher, president and CEO, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity. “This grant from Bank of America empowers us to do just that: to strengthen our organization, amplify our voice, and bring new partners to the table as we address the housing challenges facing our neighbors and helping them succeed.”

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.