Citizens announced on April 13 a $2.85 million investment to support financial literacy by funding 135 nonprofit organizations in 23 states, aiming to expand access to financial education and build confidence at important life stages.
The initiative comes during Financial Literacy Month and seeks to provide practical guidance for people facing key financial decisions, such as college planning, daily money management, tax preparation, and small business growth. The company said its efforts combine nonprofit partnerships, employee-led programs, and both digital and community-based resources.
“Access to clear, practical financial education can make a real difference in how people navigate important moments in their lives,” said Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and CEO of Citizens. “Through our investments, our work with nonprofit partners and our colleagues’ engagement in communities, we’re focused on helping people build skills that support informed choices and long-term financial well-being.”
The investment supports community programs that teach budgeting and saving skills; serve underserved populations with culturally responsive education; provide free tax preparation services; and help students understand college planning through webinars. In the previous year alone, more than 4,000 students and families participated nationwide through Citizens’ College Bound webinar series.
Employees deliver approved workshops under the Citizens Money Essentials program in English and Spanish—with plans for Chinese modules—while also volunteering with national partners like Junior Achievement (JA) and Council of Economic Education. These activities bring mentorship into classrooms as well as free volunteer income tax assistance (VITA), mentoring opportunities, and nonprofit board service.
For entrepreneurs and small businesses adapting to a digital-first economy, Citizens offers educational resources through Digital Doors—a partnership with Mastercard—to help establish online presence or accept digital payments.
In related news about business advocacy groups supporting employers across sectors within New Jersey: The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association according to the official website. It advances competitive excellence while delivering essential information according to the official website. Michele Siekerka is president of this organization according to the official website, which represents private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to the official website, facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, academic institutions according to the official website, offers advocacy plus cost-saving benefits for prosperity according to the official website.
