Monterey, Calif. - Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions® program provides multiyear flexible grant funding and nonprofit leadership training annually to high-impact organizations in nearly 40 communities nationwide. In the Monterey Bay region, Bank of America has named Watsonville-based Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley as its local 2024 Neighborhood Champion for its work to foster a healthy community through advocacy and wellness. 

As a Neighborhood Champion, Community Health Trust is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director and an emerging leader, access to technical coaching, and a national network of nonprofit peers.  

“Since 2019, our Neighborhood Champions program has provided a unique combination of leadership development and multiyear grant funding to Monterey Bay nonprofits, and we’re excited to include Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley to help them scale community health programs," said Jennifer Dacquisto, president of Bank of America Monterey Bay region. “Countless individuals, families, and neighborhoods have felt the profound impact these Neighborhood Champion nonprofits have had across the Monterey Bay region over the past years.”   

The Pajaro Valley’s predominantly low-income residents and farmworker population suffer higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and obesity. They are twice as likely to be enrolled in government food programs. However, some chronic illnesses and health outcomes can be improved or managed with healthier habits such as those offered by Pajaro Valley CHT. The organization will use the Neighborhood Champions grant to help its expansion of health and nutrition programs into downtown Watsonville.    

“Over the next two years, Community Health Trust will be undergoing a significant expansion of programs and services into downtown Watsonville, so the timing of this multiyear award is perfect,” said DeAndre James, executive director for Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. “Funds from Bank of America will support a mental health drop-in center for youth and free exercise classes, among other wellness activities for the community.” 

Neighborhood Champions is part of the bank’s longstanding efforts to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic opportunity. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, with awardees selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. Past Monterey Bay Neighborhood Champions include Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Digital NEST, First Tee Monterey County, Rancho Cielo, and Housing Matters. 

Bank of America  

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC). 

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Reporters May Contact: 

Esmeralda Owen, Bank of America 

(213) 220-1174