True community development is about more than just funding commercial real estate or providing business loans. It requires a dedicated, long-term investment in human potential. To build an equitable and thriving regional economy, we must empower the next generation of leadership from the ground up.
In alignment with this mission, BDC Community Capital is thrilled to announce a $100,000 contribution to the Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV).
This significant funding will directly support RBTV’s core programs, helping them expand their reach, enhance their educational infrastructure, and continue mentoring at-risk and underserved youth throughout the region.
What is the Ron Burton Training Village?
Founded in 1985 by former New England Patriots star running back Ron Burton, the Ron Burton Training Village is a highly respected, non-profit youth organization based in Hubbardston, Massachusetts.
RBTV is not a typical summer camp. It is a rigorous, seven-year leadership and character-development program that takes a holistic approach to mentoring young men and women from challenging environments.
The village operates on four core pillars:
- Love: Fostering deep, supportive community networks and emotional resilience.
- Peace: Teaching conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness.
- Patience: Building grit, long-term focus, and personal discipline through intense physical training.
- Humility: Instilling a deep-seated commitment to community service and helping others.
Through a combination of spiritual, physical, and academic challenges, RBTV has successfully guided more than 10,000 young people toward higher education, career success, and community leadership.
Aligning Capital with Social Impact
As a newly certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), BDC Community Capital targets its resources toward breaking systemic barriers to growth. While our daily operations focus on bridging financial gaps for diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses, this $100,000 donation addresses the root of community sustainability: education and leadership.
By backing RBTV, we are directly investing in the future local workforce, supporting a pipeline of diverse, character-driven individuals who will eventually lead New England's businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations.
Impact of the $100,000 Contribution at a Glance
The $100,000 contribution will be deployed directly into RBTV's operational and scholarship funds to maximize its local footprint.
Strategic AllocationExpected Operational OutcomeScholarship ExpansionFunding full, multi-year program sponsorships for youths from low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households.STEM & Academic PrepUpgrading classroom technology and tutoring materials for college entrance preparation.Infrastructure & LogisticsSupporting the year-round transit, nutrition, and boarding needs of the village facilities.
Engineering a Brighter Future Together
"The Ron Burton Training Village has spent nearly four decades proving that when you give an underserved young person structure, love, and a high bar of expectation, they will achieve greatness," says Paul F. Flynn, Jr., President and CEO of BDC Capital. "At BDC Community Capital, our mission is to build stronger communities. We cannot think of a better way to do that than by standing behind the incredible legacy and future of the Burton family’s work."
Get Involved with RBTV
We encourage our entire network—including our nearly 40 member banks, our corporate partners, and our commercial borrowers—to learn more about how they can support this transformative organization. Whether through corporate sponsorship, volunteer mentoring, or hiring RBTV alumni, your involvement makes a tangible difference.
- Want to learn more about the village? Visit the official Ron Burton Training Village website to read student success stories.
- Want to learn about our mission-driven lending? Contact the BDC Community Capital team to explore how our CDFI programs support regional equity.
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