Citizens and NBC10 have announced that they will be accepting applications under the bank’s Champions in Action program from local nonprofit organizations that are focused on closing social equity and inclusion gaps within local communities through education, advocacy and relevant programming. The winner for the second half of 2021 will be announced in July.

Organizations selected for inclusion in the program will receive financial, volunteer and public relations support to help further extend their reach and impact. Areas of focus for the program change twice-yearly. Eligible nonprofits typically work in collaboration with partners, neighborhood groups, schools, or other organizations to address issues related to the chosen focus area that affect local communities. The nonprofit applying for the award should include specific and measurable goals for their program.

Applications can be completed online at citizensbank.com/community/champions-in-action.aspx and must be submitted by Feb. 26.

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens, the bank’s program designed to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. It provides support for small nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout Rhode Island.

The selected Champion in Action will receive: $35,000 in unrestricted funds from Citizens; media coverage from NBC10 including public service announcements; volunteer support from Citizens colleagues; promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action in Citizens branches; and exposure on the Citizens and NBC10 websites.

To be eligible for consideration, an organization must be a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization and addresses the designated social concern; provide verification of tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; and have a total operating budget of $5 million or less.

Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities is part of the bank’s broader Citizens Helping Citizens engagement platform through which the bank builds partnerships to develop neighborhoods, transform lives and stimulate economic renewal, with a focus on three key areas – fighting hunger, teaching money management and strengthening communities. Get more information about Citizens’ community initiatives online.