Boise nonprofit to benefit from nationwide bank’s grant award

A 21-year-old nonprofit in Boise is cooking up plans to reach more community members thanks to a grant from a major bank.

Life’s Kitchen in Boise is the first nonprofit in the city to be awarded the Bank of America Neighborhood Champions grant of $50,000 over the next two years. The nonprofit provides career pathways through educational resources and opportunities to young adults.

Along with the monetary award, Life’s Kitchen will receive leadership training for its executive director, access to technical coaching and a network of peers in the nonprofit sector.

“With this generous support, we’re able to expand our reach and impact, empowering more young people in our community with the tools they need for long-term success,” said Tammy Johnson, the executive director of Life’s Kitchen. “This funding enables us to deepen our training programs, provide GED education and offer workforce development opportunities that open doors for our students that they would be challenged to access on their own.”

Life’s Kitchen was founded in 2003 with the goal of helping young people to become self-sufficient through food service and life skills training. The program also offers job placement and continuing educational opportunities. “This is accomplished through an extensive 16-week program where students receive hands-on training working in catering, lunch case and contract food service businesses operated by Life’s Kitchen,” a release stated.

The nonprofit’s life skills classes are taught by its staff and volunteers, and the funding will help it to build on its offerings and abilities to reach those it serves in the community.

“As we continue to grow our presence in Boise, we are supporting nonprofits that provide solutions to local challenges and promote economic advancement through Neighborhood Champions,” said Lauren Murray, president, Bank of America Spokane and Boise. “Providing these high-impact nonprofits with flexible funding and often overlooked leadership training helps them address critical needs and create meaningful, lasting change in our communities. Numerous youths have been profoundly impacted by Life’s Kitchen’s work and strengthening their leadership ensures they will be able to continue making a difference for year to come.”

Neighborhood Champions is a n invitation-only program, which Bank of America stated is “highly competitive.” Forty nonprofits are selected in the bank’s various regions throughout the country each year, and it has awarded more than $9 million to more than 200 organizations since 2019.

“We’re honored to be named the first Boise-local Neighborhood Champion and look forward to the growth and innovation this partnership will bring to our organization,” Johnson said.