GardHouse – a Charlotte-based nonprofit that develops college students of color for employment – has received a $25,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. The grant is part of the Foundation’s responsible growth initiative that combines two crucial areas: growing the economy while creating tangible value for businesses, clients and the communities served. They are investing in organizations like GardHouse to advance local economies and create positive change as part of its strategy for community giving.
“We are honored to receive an award from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation,” said Jonathan Gardner, Founder and Executive Director of GardHouse. “The funds received from the grant will allow us to serve our mission of increasing post-graduate employment opportunities amongst college students of color by maximizing work-based programming.”
GardHouse was established after learning that over the last 51 years, students of color who graduate from college are twice as likely to be unemployed. The 501(c)3 was created to dismantle barriers in Charlotte and beyond. At the time of GardHouse’s inception, there were no work-based programs that primarily focused on college students of color by leveraging minority-owned businesses or minority-led organizations to serve as the training hub for talent.
As noted on their website, Bank of America is working to develop strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations focused on issues fundamental to economic mobility in low- and moderate-income communities. Their focus is on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health, jobs, and strengthening broader community vitality by addressing needs related to small business resiliency, and community development.
Through building viable partnerships, Bank of America supports vulnerable populations, including working families, youth, seniors, individuals living with disabilities, veterans, and those impacted by the criminal justice system – enabling them to move forward in their goals.
About GardHouse
GardHouse is a Charlotte-based, 501(c)3 focuses on creating a seamless pipeline to employment for minorities. The organization offers paid internships with small businesses and non-profit organizations where students are connected to competitive opportunities across an academic semester. The organization also provides professional development and career journey mapping. Since its inception, the organization has donated thousands of internship hours through its more than 200 students in network.
To learn more, visit gardhouse.org