SSE wins funding from Bank of America's Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative
The London School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) was honoured at the Bank of America's Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative Awards last night, winning unrestricted grant funding and leadership development.
The Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative™ (NEI) recognises two charitable organisations, five community leaders and five secondary school students that are helping to rebuild and revitalise their local communities in London.
Since the 2007 launch of NEI in London, Bank of America has committed over £470,000 in NEI awards to support the local community, modelled on its work in the US. The bank's NEI scheme has recognised, nurtured and rewarded more than 400 organisations and over 2,000 individuals since 2004. In 2008, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will commit US$20 million globally to the initiative, which operates in 45 of the bank’s major markets, bringing the total commitment under the programme to more than US$90 million by the end of 2008.
SSE won one of the two Neighbourhood Builders awards (along with Trees For Cities) for local charitable organisations working to promote vibrant communities. SSE therefore receives £110,000 in unrestricted grant funding, and the opportunity for an executive director and an emerging leader from each organisation to participate in a leadership development programme. This is sponsored by Bank of America to enhance their strategic skills with their peers from U.S. charitable organisations.
Jonathan Moulds, Bank of America President for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, commented: “Our NEI award winners show the kind of leadership and dedication that Bank of America believes are essential to the health and vitality of our communities. The Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative underscores our belief that investing in leadership contributes to the long-term success of our community, whether building the capacity of our charitable organisations, developing current and emerging community leaders, or preparing our youth for the future.”
Alastair Wilson, SSE Chief Executive, commented: "SSE is delighted to have been honoured by Bank of America in these awards. I'm confident that the package of funding and support will enable SSE to make great strides in enhancing and expanding the impact of its work with new leaders and social entrepreneurs in London"
The London School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) was honoured at the Bank of America's Neighbourhood Excellence Initiative Awards last night, winning unrestricted grant funding and leadership development.