Bank of America awards CLIMB Fund grant for statewide economic mobility initiative

CLIMB Fund announced that it has been awarded an Economic Mobility grant from Bank of America in support of the 2025 Fundraising Enablement Project. Bank of America’s grant is funding a cutting-edge AI marketing automation platform to streamline operations and boost impact through increased reach and creation of compelling campaigns that resonate deeply with supporters.

The 2025 Fundraising Enablement Project is ensuring long-term sustainability, increasing engagement with supporters, and maximizing the impact of CLIMB Fund to further deliver on its mission of fostering inclusive economic growth across South Carolina.

“The 2025 Fundraising Enablement Project will use the $10,000 grant from Bank of America to upgrade CLIMB Fund’s fundraising efforts. The money will be used to purchase AI-powered marketing software and create new promotional materials. This will help CLIMB Fund reach more donors and increase donations. We are incredibly grateful to Bank of America for this support. With these funds, we can continue to drive meaningful impact and help more entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive.” said Tom Aley, Director of Operations at CLIMB Fund.

CLIMB Fund is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, especially those from low- or extremely low-income backgrounds and persistent poverty counties (PPCs) across South Carolina. Bank of America’s Economic Mobility Grant will enable CLIMB Fund to reach new audiences, fuel innovation, and strengthen statewide impact.

“Bank of America is committed to lending, investing, and giving in order to build thriving communities by addressing issues fundamental to economic mobility,” said Mark Munn, President, Bank of America Charleston. “The CLIMB Fund revolutionizing its fundraising approach will ensure its long-term sustainability and capacity to continue investing across South Carolina in a way that promotes small business resiliency and directly create jobs.”

Incorporating holistic approaches to technical support via workshops on financial literacy, marketing strategies, and navigating legalities, equip entrepreneurs with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in competitive marketplaces. The results of CLIMB Fund’s work are undeniable with over 70 jobs being created in PPCs, demonstrating the organization’s transformative impact on local communities.

About CLIMB Fund

CLIMB Fund (CF) is a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to fostering inclusive economic growth across South Carolina. CF provides vital business development resources and capital access to entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds and persistent poverty counties, empowering them to turn their dreams into reality.

For further information, please contact: Tom Aley at [email protected]