04/13/2016

Citizens Bank Announces $42,000 in Contributions to New Hampshire and Vermont Organizations through the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money Initiative

As part of an ongoing commitment to give consumers the confidence and tools they need to be fiscally healthy, Citizens Bank announced today that four nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire and Vermont will receive $42,000 in contributions as part of the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money financial literacy initiative.

Leveraging the financial expertise of its bankers and its partnerships with local nonprofits focused on financial education, the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program this year includes $1.3 million in donations to 77 nonprofits and volunteer outreach by more than 400 trained Citizens colleagues. Citizens will also be sharing financial tips on Facebook and Twitter for the duration of National Financial Literacy Month, as well as ongoing financial advice from Citizens’ colleagues on YouTube. By the end of 2016, Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money is expected to improve the financial acumen of more than 220,000 Americans.

 

Nonprofit organizations from across the bank’s 11-state footprint were chosen in a competitive application process based on their track record of success providing financial education programs, clear and measurable goals for the program and a demonstration to incorporate sustainability in their program plans.

New Hampshire and Vermont funding recipients include:

  • HOMEteam
  • Champlain Housing Trust, Inc.
  • Housing Partnership
  • Windham Windsor Housing Trust

Recently, Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Financial Group, and Joe Carelli, President of Citizens Bank, New Hampshire and Vermont, presented a check for $25,000 to HOMEteam, a collaborative home buying education program of NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, CATCH Neighborhood Housing, and Laconia Area Community Land Trust.

 “Many citizens are walking a financial tightrope and are in need of tools and resources that can help them become financially successful,” said Joe Carelli, president, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire and Vermont. “Through our Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program, we are working together with state and nonprofit organizations to give our fellow citizens the confidence and tools they need to budget, save, invest and be fiscally healthy.”

Accepting the check for HOMEteam was Robert Tourigny, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, Rosemary Heard, President, CATCH Neighborhood Housing, and Paul McLaughlin, Manager, HOMEteam.

“Citizens Bank was our first partner in the community to invest in the HOMEteam collaboration three years ago, and their continued support helps us as we deliver our services,” said Robert Tourigny, Executive Director of NeighborWorks® Southern New Hampshire.

“Joe Carelli and his colleagues at Citizens Bank appreciate the role and importance of education and counseling programs for New Hampshire residents. The Bank employees provide valuable insight as presenters at HOMEteam seminars, and truly make this a positive partnership,” added Rosemary Heard, President of CATCH Neighborhood Housing.

“We are grateful for Citizens Bank’s investment in the financial education and success of Lakes Region residents through this investment in HOMEteam.” Linda Harvey, Executive Director, Laconia Area Community Land Trust.