Citizens Bank Gives $115,000 For Financial Literacy In Ohio

As part of its ongoing commitment to give consumers the confidence and tools they need to reach their potential, 11 nonprofit organizations in Ohio are getting $115,000 in contributions from Citizens Bank as part of the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money financial literacy initiative.

Citizens Bank is providing $1.5 million in grants in nine states including Ohio. The money will help people obtain a better understanding of financial topics ranging from the basics of checking accounts and household budgeting to the intricacies of starting or building a business and long-term financial planning.

The yearlong effort will support financial literacy programming for small business owners, entrepreneurs, homebuyers, students and other consumers. The biggest piece of funding in Ohio is going to the Economic And Community Development Institute, an organization with a Greater Cleveland arm that supports entrepreneurs throughout Ohio.

“With the help of these funds, we will be able to offer a series of financial literacy workshops and events, various panels and meetings as well as Small Business Resource Days. The programs will directly impact approximately 300 participants in Cleveland, Akron and Toledo, said Danielle Sydnor, executive director of the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). “We are so grateful to Citizens Bank to be selected as a grant recipient for this valued program that contributes to the vitality of our local economy.”

The following are the Ohio funding recipients and how the money will be used:

• East Side Organizing Project, Inc. – To support the Senior Financial Empowerment Initiative to help low-income seniors better save and manage their money. This agency works in Greater Cleveland and Warren.
• Economic and Community Development Institute Inc. (ECDI) – To deliver the Financial Literacy and Small Business Resource Initiative for entrepreneurs and small business owners. This agency does work throughout the state and has offices in Cleveland.
• Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. – To provide free tax preparation and access to one-on-one financial counseling for low-income families. This agency does work throughout the state and has offices in Cleveland.
• Growth Opportunity Partners Inc. – To support the Financial Education program to educate, engage, and activate small business owners in low-to-moderate income communities. This agency works throughout Northeast Ohio.
• Home Repair Resource Center – To support the Financial Capability Initiative to identify, develop, and evaluate products and programs to improve consumers’ financial capabilities. This agency has offices in Cleveland Heights.
• Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland – To offer JA financial literacy programming throughout Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties.
• Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Inc. – To deliver the JA Economics for Success program which educates students on choosing the right career and managing money properly.
• Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, Inc. – To support JA's K-12 suite of programs centered on the pillars of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.
• Junior Achievement of Northwestern Ohio - To provide JA programming to 650 seventh grade students during the 2018/19 school year.
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Toledo, Inc. – To provide Financial Opportunity Center and Homeownership Education services.
• University Circle Inc. - To strengthen financial management skills of small business owners through the Financial Management and Bookkeeping program.

“At Citizens, we believe that becoming financially savvy is a skill that benefits everyone. Learning the basics is the first step in achieving your financial goals and getting on the path to financial security,” said Ralph Della Ratta, President of Citizens Bank, Ohio. “With Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, more than 400 Citizens Bank colleagues will provide members of our communities with the knowledge, confidence and resources they need to budget, save, invest and be fiscally healthy.”

In addition to the financial literacy grants, Citizens Bank 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.

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.

This year, the bank will provide more than $1.5 million in contributions to 80 nonprofits in Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

For additional information on Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money, visit Citizens’ website.