Citizens Bank has opened applications for its Champions in Action awards, targeting nonprofit organizations that use artificial intelligence to improve their operations and impact. The “Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits” award includes a $50,000 grant, promotional support on Citizens’ website and at bank branches, as well as volunteer service hours from Citizens employees.
Nonprofits interested in applying must do so by March 13. Winners will be announced in July. According to Citizens, 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.”
“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 organizations must be located within Citizens’ U.S. footprint, which includes New Jersey. They should have an operating budget between $250,000 and $5 million and be able to propose one or two volunteer projects for Citizens employees.
Applicants should demonstrate program success with relevant metrics. In collaborations involving multiple partners, only the lead nonprofit should apply.
Examples of how nonprofits can build AI readiness include using artificial intelligence to enhance data insights for program delivery, upskill staff with new digital skills, focus staff efforts on key mission activities, improve donor outreach using AI-driven tools, expand reach cost-effectively, automate manual tasks to save time, and reduce operational costs through increased efficiency.
Since its inception 24 years ago, the Champions in Action program has provided over $12 million in grants along with promotional and volunteer support to more than 400 nonprofits.
Previous recipients must wait five years before reapplying for another award.
Organizations can apply by March 13 for the “Building AI Readiness and Capacity in Nonprofits” award through the application portal.
To qualify as a Champion in Action, an organization must:
– Be a nonprofit 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 an operating budget between $250,000 and $5 million.
– Provide one or two volunteer projects for Citizens employees.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association is recognized as the largest statewide employer association in the United States. It represents private-sector employers across New Jersey’s various sectors while facilitating partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer of the association. The NJBIA also provides advocacy services along with essential information aimed at supporting business prosperity throughout the state.