Deer Park-Based Girls Inc. Wins $200,000 Grant From Bank Of America

DEER PARK, NY — Girls Inc. of Long Island has received a $200,000 grant from Bank of America for its work providing school and community-based programming to girls and young women in Suffolk and Nassau counties.

The organization, based in Deer Park, joined over 100 nonprofits across the United States in the "class of 2023" in the bank's Neighborhood Builders initiative.

"Through Neighborhood Builders, we will strengthen girls' opportunities for economic mobility with a new workforce development pilot program to directly connect girls with competitive companies for internship and employment needs," Executive Director Renee Flagler told Patch. "Girls Inc. plans to invest in our girls' futures, and the future of Long Island, by implementing this program and breaking down economic, racial, and gender barriers that currently prevent a more flourishing metropolitan for all."

The organization's mission is to empower girls and young women from underserved communities across Long Island through research-based programs, helping participants build confidence, prepare for economic independence, and achieve their full potential. Cultivating the next generation of women leaders, Girls Inc. of Long Island aims to increase participants’ access and exposure to academic and career opportunities that have been historically male-dominated and excluded women and people of color. Neighborhood Builders funding will help the organization to further career-readiness initiatives and serve more girls and young women in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The Neighborhood Builders program provides comprehensive leadership training for an executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, and the opportunity to join a national network of peer organizations. Each awardee is also awarded a $200,000 grant over two years.

"We believe professional development is crucial for any organization's continued growth and consistently offer training opportunities to our entire staff," Flagler said. "As part of the grant, our Program Manager and emerging leader, Susan Dunbar, and I will participate in Bank of America's acclaimed leadership training. Susan is poised for the next step and will take Girls Inc. programming to the next level."

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.

"Local nonprofits provide critical support and services to address our community’s needs and advance equity on Long Island," Marc Perez, president, Bank of America Long Island, said in a news release. "Both New Ground and Girls Inc. of Long Island are dedicated to creating lasting change by breaking the cycle of homelessness and equipping young women with the skills and resources to become the next generation of leaders. We look forward to seeing these organizations continue to thrive as Neighborhood Builders."

The invitation-only program is highly competitive and nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Builders awardees. There have been 38 nonprofits selected as Neighborhood Builders on Long Island since 2005 and Bank of America has invested nearly $8 million in them.

"Girls Inc. of Long Island is honored to have been chosen," Flagler said. "The funding will have an immense impact on our organization."