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"Paola has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities and has made it her mission to create access and opportunities for those who need it most."
That's what the American Bankers Association is saying about its 2023 George Bailey Distinguished Service Award winner.
Paola Fernandez, senior vice president of community development for Centreville Bank in West Warwick, RI, will receive the honor at the ABA's Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in October.
The ABA Foundation selects the winner after reviewing nominations submitted by banks of all sizes across the country.
Fernandez, who joined Centreville Bank in 2018 and was tasked with developing a formal and strategic approach to community giving, "successfully launched the institution's long-term philanthropic program and has since directed multi-million-dollar investments to underserved communities from the bank's charitable foundation," per the ABA.
"One of her key accomplishments has been the support and enhancement of student scholarship programs and investment in community programs that support the success of school-age children through Centreville Bank," says the ABA in a statement.
"Her commitment to education and this program has enabled countless students to pursue their academic dreams."
Selected Grant News Headlines
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
Haril Kazindra and wife Andrea are the co-founders of Musana, a community development NGO that runs 19 social enterprises across Uganda.Musana has offices in Denver and London and employs 700 staff,...more
Foundation: Lilly Endowment
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The Bill Gatton Foundation supports K-12 and higher education, health, and community development in Kentucky, Upper East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia.Large education grants include $13.5 million...more
Local organizations win $9 million for new affordable housing, social services.Connecticut's Community Investment Fund grants come amid a deluge of cuts to federal funding.The fund was established in...more
Foundation: Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation
Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has proudly supported Bread & Broth for the past 10 years.In 2024, the Community Foundation was able to introduce the mission of Bread and Broth to a donor who is...more
Foundation: Latino Community Foundation
Latino Community Foundation Awards $3.88M in Grants Across California and Nevada.NewsBreak: Latino Community Foundation awards $3,000,000 in grants across California andNevada.Newsbreak: $1.5 million...more
Alejandro Betancourt Lopez rejects traditional corporate social responsibility models that separate business operations from community impact.Rather than limiting community engagement to corporate...more
Thoughtful giving isn't just about making a donation, it's about creating meaningful impact.Community foundations exist to connect generosity with need, ensuring that charitable giving is both...more
Kareem Thomas most recently served as Chief Credit and Lending Administration Officer at Reinvestment Fund.Bhavani Daryanani has more than 20 years of experience in the sector, bringing deep...more
SECU Foundation has been named a recipient of the 2024 Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Hero Award for Partner in Philanthropy.The SECU Foundation promotes local community development in North...more
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