Nonprofit organizations focused on using artificial intelligence to improve their operations and impact are now eligible to apply for Citizens’ Champions in Action awards. The “Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits” award will provide a $50,000 grant, promotional support through Citizens’ website and bank branches, as well as volunteer service hours from Citizens employees.
Applications must be submitted by March 13, with winners set to be announced in July. According to Citizens, the awards aim to recognize nonprofits that are expanding digital skills, improving program delivery, and finding responsible ways to use AI to better serve people and increase efficiency.
“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 applicants must operate within the bank’s U.S. footprint—which includes New Jersey—and have an operating budget between $250,000 and $5 million. They should also identify one or two volunteer projects for participation by Citizens employees.
Applicants should demonstrate measurable success of their programs and provide metrics showing achievements. In cases where multiple partners collaborate on a project, only the lead nonprofit should submit an application.
Examples of building AI readiness include improving program delivery with data insights, training staff in digital skills, streamlining donor outreach with AI tools, automating repetitive tasks for cost savings, and enhancing organizational resilience.
Since its inception 24 years ago, the Champions in Action program has awarded over $12 million in grants and provided support to more than 400 nonprofits across the bank’s service areas. Previous recipients must wait five years before reapplying.
To qualify as a Champion in Action, organizations must be based in specified regions such as New Jersey or New York City; have an operating budget within the stated range; and offer at least one skills-based volunteer project for Citizens employees.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) is recognized as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing various sectors (official website). NJBIA works to advance competitive excellence among its members while providing essential information and services (official website). Michele Siekerka serves as president and CEO of NJBIA (official website). The association supports private-sector employers throughout New Jersey (official website), facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions (official website), and offers advocacy along with practical resources for business prosperity (official website).
More information about applying can be found on Citizens’ official channels.
