Funder Spotlight: Bank of America

To support initiatives in affordable housing, small business, capacity building, and climate and disaster resilience across the country, Bank of America provides generous funding to LISC Connecticut. We connected with Jill Hutensky, Senior Vice President, Hartford Market Executive at Bank of America, to get the scoop!  

LISC: What values/goals of the LISC project is important to you?
Jill: LISC is a leader in supporting community revitalization efforts across the country. Here in Connecticut, the local program office, LISC Connecticut, supports and connects Connecticut residents to social and economic opportunities in collaboration with local community development partners. This dedication to fostering thriving communities throughout Connecticut not only supports our neighbors in the short term by increasing access to housing options and living wage jobs but also helps prepare communities for sustainable, long-term success. At Bank of America, we are committed to driving responsible growth in the workplace, for our clients, and in our local communities. LISC CT’s work to both identify and meet local needs, especially for low-income and underserved populations, is key to building a safer, healthier Connecticut.

LISC: What community initiative does your business represent?
Jill: Bank of America partners with LISC to support initiatives in affordable housing, small business, capacity building, and climate and disaster resilience across the country. In 2023, LISC CT received a Bank of America grant to help fund the Hartford Neighborhood Development Support Collaborative (HNDSC), which assists local CDCs in creating and managing affordable housing and community development efforts in lower-income neighborhoods. In Hartford, where homeownership rates remain low and renters are rent-burdened, improving access to affordable housing and community resources is critical. This initiative in Hartford complements an additional two-year grant which will support LISC CT’s efforts throughout Connecticut in 2023 and 2024.   

LISC: Why is it important for your company to give back to the community?
Jill: In addition to supporting our Bank of America teammates and clients throughout the state, we are committed to helping our communities. Working in tandem with local nonprofits and community partners to drive economic and social progress is an important part of these efforts. When individuals and families meet their basic needs – including safe, affordable housing options – and have access to resources, support, and tools to succeed, whole communities and the local economy benefit.