Valley nonprofits looking for help might want to strike up a conversation with Bank of America.

The nation’s second-largest bank directed $1.85 million in philanthropy to nonprofits and charities in its Fresno-Visalia market in 2022.

In addition, Bank of America topped the JUST list of Top 100 U.S. Companies released last month.

The ranking is based on metrics such as American job creation, paying a living wage, leadership integrity, workforce retention and training, minimizing pollution, and charitable giving.

The bank says that its local philanthropy aims to remove barriers to economic mobility and social progress. Its grants and sponsorships, in particular, focus on nonprofits providing basic needs, paid career training and placement, education, and economic development.

“Nonprofits are on the front lines of addressing complex societal challenges — understanding the needs and obstacles the Central Valley faces,” said Mark Riley, president of Bank of America Fresno/Visalia, in a news release. “Bank of America will continue to deploy capital and resources to help remove barriers to economic success and build a more sustainable community.”

A Look at the Local Grants

The $1.85 million in grants included:

— $500,000 to help fund the Heartbeat Hub at the Fresno Mission’s new City Center complex, which helps families and individuals facing job loss, food insecurities, and other challenges.

— $301,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits to support programs focused on food insecurity, family stabilization, services for homeless people, and workforce development.

Recipients included the Central California Food Bank, Community Services and Employment Training in Tulare County, the Kings County Community Action Organization, the Madera Rescue Mission, the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, and the Marjaree Mason Center.

— $100,000 in support of Fresno DRIVE’s F3 ag-tech initiative.

— $50,000 to Poverello House to kickstart the nonprofit’s fundraising drive to provide food, shelter, and hope to homeless residents during the holiday season.

Employee Volunteer Efforts

The company’s local employees also contributed more than 10,000 volunteer hours in 2022.

For example, they organized a campaign to benefit 50 children in the Parkway neighborhood by purchasing, wrapping, and delivering numerous gifts to the Live Again Fresno nonprofit.

Bank employees also presented 16 financial literacy workshops as part of the bank’s Better Money Habits program to homeless individuals at Poverello House.

And, they collected backpacks and school supplies for youth served by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno, Merced, Exeter, and Tulare.

Where to Apply for Grants, Sponsorships

To apply for Bank of America grants and sponsorships, go to BankofAmerica.com/Foundation.