Nonprofit organizations or partnerships that are providing training and resources to prepare students and workers for in-demand digital and technology jobs are encouraged to apply for Citizens Bank’s “Champions in Action” grants.
Applications are due online by Feb. 23. Seven selected nonprofits will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funds from Citizens, as well as promotional and volunteer support.
“Citizens is committed to building the workforce of the future and we understand that meeting the accelerating needs of the economy is a pivotal part of that effort,” said Michelle Hecht, head of Corporate Affairs at Citizens on Feb. 12.
“In this Champions in Action round, we’re looking forward to shining a light on the valuable nonprofits who are doing critical work to expand access to trainings and resources that help ensure that the workforce is keeping up with advances in technology and prepared to meet current and future industry needs,” Hecht said.
To be eligible for the award, nonprofits must have operating budgets between $250,000 and $5 million and be making a meaningful impact with existing programs that keep community members updated with the latest advancements in technology.
The grants are open to nonprofits in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
Twice a year, nonprofits in seven Citizens’ markets are selected to receive funding, promotional and volunteer support to advance programming and services focused on a relevant topic that changes biannually.
Since 2002, the Citizens’ Champions in Action program has awarded over $11 million in unrestricted funds to more than 380 Champions located across the bank’s footprint. In partnership with media outlets, Citizens also provides support through promotion, publicity, and volunteerism to help nonprofits better serve their communities.
The initiative is part of Citizen’s broader efforts to help the communities it serves thrive through its strategic community investments and colleague volunteerism. In 2023, more than 8,800 Citizens colleagues contributed more than 232,000 volunteer hours to support more than 3,300 community organizations.
For more information about the Champions in Action program and the link to the online application portal, go to Citizens’ website here.
