Bank of America is increasing its financial commitment to military veterans, first responders, and 9/11 memorial organizations nationwide as the country approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
This corporate giving initiative includes a new $250,000 contribution to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s “Veteran Villages” project. This program provides permanent housing and comprehensive support services to homeless and vulnerable veterans across 14 U.S. markets, including Las Vegas, Detroit, Buffalo, Charlotte, Long Island, and New Jersey. As part of this effort, Bank of America employees will assemble 3,000 “Welcome Home” care kits for veterans entering these facilities.
"Bank of America’s support for our Veteran Villages will change the lives of veterans who have struggled after returning home, providing them with a safe place to live and the support they need," said Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "We’re grateful for their commitment to make sure no veteran is left behind on the streets of the country they served."
The financial institution's support for military service members and emergency responders has exceeded $160 million in cumulative funding over the past 15 years.
"September 11 is a deeply significant part of our shared history," stated Brian Moynihan, chair and chief executive officer of Bank of America. "As we remember those who lost their lives and recognize all who responded in service and sacrificed so much, we are continuing our longstanding support for first responders, veterans, military service members and the organizations that serve them."
In addition to the Veteran Villages initiative, Bank of America is becoming the lead sponsor for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s new exhibition, “In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11 Inspired Service.” A $1 million allocation will bring the bank’s total support for the museum to over $20 million.
Furthermore, the bank is releasing $100,000 in funding for the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in anticipation of a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Visitor Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.
In Manhattan, Bank of America is co-sponsoring the “Chairs of Remembrance” installation in Bryant Park, which features 2,753 vacant chairs oriented towards the former World Trade Center site to represent the victims lost in the attacks. Tied to this display, the bank is granting $75,000, split evenly among the New York City Police Foundation, the FDNY Foundation, and the Port Authority PBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund.
Beyond financial contributions, Bank of America employees have committed to 25,000 volunteer hours supporting military and first responder efforts by the end of the year. Legal teams and corporate staff will participate in the “Wills for Heroes” project in 12 regions, providing free estate-planning documents for local emergency responders and their spouses. Additionally, over 600 Merrill financial advisors and staff across nearly two dozen cities will pack food for regional food pantries with the non-profit 9/11 Day. Hundreds of employees are also expected to participate in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K in New York City.