LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health Foundation has been selected as Bank of America’s 2024 Neighborhood Champion, a prestigious honor recognizing organizations that drive positive social impact and economic opportunity in their communities. As part of this recognition, Baptist Health Foundation received a $50,000 grant, with $25,000 awarded in fall 2024 and the remaining $25,000 to be provided in fall 2025.
For 20 years, Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders and Neighborhood Champions programs have invested in nonprofit leadership development and capacity building to support organizations that strengthen communities. This highly competitive award includes core operating support, leadership training resources for the organization’s executive director, and peer networking opportunities with nonprofits across the country.
“Neighborhood Champions is an example of Bank of America’s commitment to responsible growth as we work to advance economic mobility and improve quality of life for Arkansans, with a particular focus on low- and moderate-income communities,” said Heather Jones, president of Bank of America Arkansas. “Last year, the Baptist Health Foundation was our Neighborhood Champion because of their work to remove barriers and access to health care as well as training the next generation of Arkansas nurses.”
The $50,000 grant will support Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) by launching a Student Academic Success and Tutoring Program, and expanding academic support services for nursing and allied health students. This initiative is designed to increase retention and graduation rates while ensuring students have the resources necessary to succeed.
As health care providers continue to struggle with workforce shortages, the investment will help future nurses and allied health professionals overcome educational barriers and complete their training, ensuring more skilled professionals enter Arkansas’ health care workforce.
“We are incredibly grateful to Bank of America for awarding Baptist Health College Little Rock with the Neighborhood Champions Award in support of academic success for nursing and allied health students,” said Janet Marshall, chief development officer of Baptist Health Foundation. “Thank you, Bank of America, for helping Baptist Health ensure our students will receive the best learning tools and educational opportunities available.”
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.