Wells Fargo Grants Unlock Economic Opportunity in Vermont
Wells Fargo announced it invested $263,667 in local nonprofits, schools and community organizations in 2019 to help the communities and people of Vermont. The company’s philanthropic contributions builds on a history of collaboration with local nonprofits and community leaders to make a positive impact by addressing urgent community issues such as affordable housing, out-of-school time education for middle school students and job training for young adults.
“We want to create greater impact in underserved communities across Vermont,” said Briana Curran, vice president, Communications & Community Relations, Wells Fargo, New England. “By collaborating with community organizations, we aim to provide philanthropy, volunteers, knowledge and other resources to help revitalize and strengthen local neighborhoods. Vermont is a vibrant state, and we’re lucky to have so many leaders and nonprofits invested in its long-term stability and success.”
Beyond philanthropy, Wells Fargo team members in Vermont volunteered 100 hours in 2019 to support nonprofits and causes important to them.
Making an impact in Vermont
Wells Fargo concentrated its local philanthropic contributions on addressing urgent community issues such as:
• Housing affordability: In response to the housing affordability crisis, Wells Fargo invested in NeighborWorks of Western Vermont to increase access to safe, stable and affordable housing and homeownership. The grant supported HEAT Squad, a program that offers comprehensive low-cost energy audits and same-day energy audit reports, as well as objective advice and access to financial incentives for Rutland County individuals and families.
• Small business growth: Because small businesses are an important driving force in job creation and thriving communities, Wells Fargo supports nonprofits serving small businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, women and veterans. Nonprofits serving small businesses, including Capstone Community Action, received grants to provide access to capital and training for entrepreneurs in rural and urban markets.
• Access to education: Support included grants for local K-12 schools, scholarships for post-secondary or vocational training, and financial education, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Burlington, King Street Center and Mentor Connector.
Source: Wells Fargo 3.3.2020