BofA Awards $500,000 in Grants to Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre

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Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) announced a $500,000 philanthropic investment on Nov 24, 2025, awarding two $250,000 grants to the Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre.

The museum grant advances a transformative 51,000-square-foot waterfront expansion expected to break ground in early 2026. The theatre grant launches a $28 million multi-phase Second Century Campaign to restore its historic auditorium, modernize technology, and add a 3,600 sq ft education wing ahead of its centennial in 2026.

Bank of America said these awards build community and follow $13 million in local grants and matching gifts since 2020.

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The grants will provide funding for the Tampa Museum of Art's expansion and Tampa Theatre's restoration, furthering the bank's commitment to supporting the arts

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America today announced a half-million-dollar investment in two of Tampa Bay's leading arts institutions, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre. Each organization will receive a $250,000 grant, bringing the Tampa Museum of Art's expansion funding closer to completion and kicking off Tampa Theatre's capital campaign for its restoration, expanded education programming and technology upgrades.

As the Tampa Bay region booms, these projects will match demands for additional exhibits, educational programming, and public and private gathering spaces while preserving the history of a cultural centerpiece in downtown Tampa.

"We share Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre's mission to inspire, educate and build community through the arts, which is why we directed this strategic philanthropic investment to help build stronger communities," said Michael Esposito, president, Bank of America Tampa Bay. "These grants reflect our commitment to creating economic opportunity across Tampa Bay that we've served for more than 140 years."

Tampa Museum of Art's transformative 51,000-square-foot building expansion for its downtown Tampa campus will add a crystalline four-story cantilevered structure that expands the museum to the waterfront. The expansion will feature a 150-seat auditorium, interconnected multifunctional event spaces, a rooftop terrace, food services and dining space and new public art installations integrated into the public spaces along Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. The project is expected to break ground in early 2026 and will more than double the museum's existing size.

Dr. Michael Tomor, the Penny and Jeff Vinik Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, expressed gratitude for the grant and partnership, saying, "We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for this extraordinary investment in the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa community. This partnership will help bring our vision for a more accessible, dynamic, and inspiring museum to life. Bank of America's support strengthens our ability to expand educational programs, enhance visitor experiences and ensure that art and culture remain a cornerstone of Tampa's identity for generations to come."

Tampa Theatre's multi-phase $28 million capital initiative celebrates the theatre's centennial in 2026 with a full and authentic restoration of the historic auditorium's decorative finishes, modernization of theatre technology and crucial infrastructure and the repurposing of 3,600 square feet of underutilized space to create a dedicated education wing. These improvements will expand the Theatre's ability to provide artistic, educational and community programming, and will position the historic movie palace for success into its next century of service.

"Bank of America is one of Tampa Theatre's longest-standing partners, providing generous support that honors our mission of building community through extraordinary entertainment in an iconic landmark," says Tampa Theatre President & CEO, John Bell. "This leadership gift to the Second Century Campaign will support the restoration, expansion and transformation of this treasured historic landmark, building community here for decades to come. We are grateful for Bank of America's support of this transformative and innovative project."

This announcement is the latest in a series of investments that Bank of America has made in Tampa Bay. Bank of America has provided $13 million in grants and matching gifts locally since 2020, as well as investments to help finance small businesses, affordable housing and other economic revitalization projects benefiting communities throughout Tampa Bay.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Reporters may contact

Matthew Daily, Bank of America
Phone: 1.404.607.2844
matthew.daily@bofa.com

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SOURCE Bank of America Corporation

FAQ

What did Bank of America (BAC) announce on November 24, 2025 regarding Tampa arts funding?

Bank of America announced $500,000 in grants — two $250,000 awards to Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa Theatre.

How will the $250,000 grant support the Tampa Museum of Art (BAC grant)?

The grant moves funding closer to a 51,000 sq ft waterfront expansion that will more than double the museum and is slated to break ground in early 2026.

What does the $250,000 grant fund for Tampa Theatre and what is the campaign size?

The grant kicks off Tampa Theatre's Second Century Campaign, part of a $28 million initiative for restoration, tech modernization, and a 3,600 sq ft education wing.

When will Tampa Theatre celebrate its centennial and how is BAC involved (BAC symbol)?

Tampa Theatre's centennial is 2026, and Bank of America (BAC) provided a leadership gift to support restoration and expansion for the milestone year.

Does the Bank of America (BAC) announcement mention broader local giving amounts?

Yes; Bank of America noted it has provided $13 million in grants and matching gifts in Tampa Bay since 2020.

Will the Tampa Museum of Art expansion affect public spaces and visitor facilities (BAC grant)?

Yes; the project adds a waterfront cantilevered structure with a 150-seat auditorium, event spaces, rooftop terrace, dining, and new public art along the waterfront.

How does this Bank of America (BAC) investment relate to its community strategy in Tampa Bay?

Bank of America framed the grants as a strategic philanthropic investment to support arts, education programming, and community-focused economic opportunity in Tampa Bay.