Nonprofit organizations working on practical ways to use artificial intelligence to enhance the quality, speed and impact of their mission are invited to apply for a Citizens’ award that will provide funding and volunteer support to further their work serving communities.
Part of the bank’s Champions in Action program, winners of the “Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits” award will receive a $50,000 grant, promotional support on Citizens’ website and at bank branches, and volunteer service hours from Citizens employees.
The deadline to apply is March 13 and the winners will be announced in July.
The awards recognize nonprofits working to build AI readiness by “expanding their digital competencies, improving program delivery and exploring responsible and practical applications of AI to help them serve more people and operate more efficiently,” according to Citizens.
“At Citizens, we are proud to champion organizations that lead through change and embrace innovation to strengthen their impact,” the bank said in a statement.
Eligible nonprofits must be located within the bank’s U.S. footprint, which includes New Jersey, have a total operating budget of between $250,000 and $5 million, and be able to identify one to two volunteer projects that Citizens employees can engage in.
Nonprofits applying for a “Building AI Readiness and Capacity” award should be able to demonstrate the success of their program and include metrics about their achievements. Only the lead nonprofit should apply in cases where there are collaborations with other partners.
Examples of building AI readiness include using artificial intelligence to:
- Improve program delivery through better data insights and more personalized support
- Upskill staff with new digital competencies that strengthen organizational resilience
- Refocus staff energy on mission critical work and community relationships
- Strengthen donor cultivation and grant development by using AI to identify funding prospects, personalize outreach, and streamline grant writing workflows
- Expand reach in cost-effective ways
- Save time by automating repetitive or manual tasks
- Save money by increasing efficiency and reducing operational overhead
- Since launching 24 years ago, the Citizens Champions in Action program has awarded more than $12 million in grants and provided promotional and volunteer support to more than 400 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint.
Organizations that have previously received a Citizens Champions in Action award must wait five years before applying for another.
Go here to apply by March 13 for the Champions in Action “Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits” award.
To be recognized as a Champion in Action, an organization must:
- Be a nonprofit organization based in New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania (Greater Philadelphia or Greater Pittsburgh), Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, southern Florida, or California (Los Angeles or San Francisco).
- Have a total operating budget between $250,000 to $5 million.
- Be able to provide one to two volunteer projects, including at least one skills-based volunteer project, for Citizens employees to engage in.
