Effort also leverages the financial expertise of more than 400 Citizens bankers who volunteer with local nonprofits to teach consumers how to manage their money better
PROVIDENCE, RI — As part of its ongoing commitment to give consumers the confidence and tools they need to reach their potential, Citizens Bank announced today that eight nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island will receive $140,000 in contributions as part of the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money financial literacy initiative.
The Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program is a yearly effort by the bank to teach financial literacy throughout the communities it serves. This year, the bank will provide more than $1.5 million in contributions to 80 nonprofits in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. The program will help people obtain a better understanding of financial topics ranging from the basics of checking accounts to the intricacies of household budgeting and long-term financial planning.
Citizens Bank also offers helpful tips on its website for consumers to learn how to budget and save as well as advice on how to save to buy a home, seek identity protection and more. The bank is also inviting those interested in learning more about money management to follow along on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to learn and share tips about topics such as goal-setting, saving, and managing credit. The bank’s Community Ambassadors will offer their real-world tips on saving and money management.
“Through Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, we support organizations that help our neighbors and communities grow by improving their understanding of how to manage their finances,” said Barbara Cottam, Rhode Island Market Executive, Citizens Bank. “As partners in our shared mission to improve financial stability among all of the citizens of Rhode Island, we are proud to make these awards to the deserving nonprofits working to help our communities reach their potential.”
The funding recipients in Rhode Island and how the money will be used:
- Amos House – To support the Financial Opportunity Center and provide opportunities for participants to build credit and assets.
- Connecting for Children and Families, Inc. – To provide critical financial literacy workshops, one-on-one financial coaching, and free tax prep services.
- Crossroads Rhode Island – To provide financial education to homeless and recently-housed people transitioning to housing and/or employment.
- Genesis Center – To support Bridges to Career Opportunities which provides comprehensive job training to help low-skilled individuals bridge the “skills gap” and attain financial success.
- Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, Inc. – To support financial literacy programs for students.
- Olneyville Housing Corporation (ONE|NB) – To support the “ONE HUB” Project to expand homeownership education and financial capability.
- Pawtucket Central Falls Development – To provide clients with the core financial knowledge to establish a financially fit future.
- United Way of Rhode Island, Inc. – To support free tax preparation and financial counseling for low-income families.
Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money is part of the bank’s broader Citizens Helping Citizens program, which addresses three key areas: hunger, financial education and strengthening communities.
For additional information on Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, visit Citizens’ website.
Source: Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
