Champions in Action categories announced

Providence – Citizens Bank and NBC10 announced the categories for the 2009 Champions in Action® program, which provides financial, volunteer and PR support to small nonprofits doing big things in the community. Youth Programming, Housing, Financial Literacy and Violence Prevention are the four areas of focus.

Nonprofit organizations focused on the following areas will be announced:

• Youth Programming will be selected and announced in January 2009. The application deadline is Monday, October 20, 2008 at 5 p.m.

• Housing will be selected and announced in April 2009. The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2009 at 5 p.m.

• Financial Literacy will be selected and announced in July 2009. The application deadline is Friday, April 24, 2009 at 5 p.m.

• Violence Prevention will be selected and announced in October 2009. The application deadline is Friday, July 17, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Applications may be obtained online at the Citizens bank website. Completed applications should be sent to: Citizens Bank, Public Affairs Department, Attn: Champions in Action program, One Citizens Plaza, Providence, RI 02903. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on the specified deadline day.

Launched in 2002, the Champions in Action program is designed to recognize and support nonprofit organizations for their contributions to Rhode Island communities. A new champion is selected each quarter among a range of social service areas.

In Rhode Island, Citizens and NBC10 have committed more than $1.7 million in grants and free television airtime to 24 organizations dedicated to a number of issues including homelessness, elder care, community healthcare and the environment.

Each Champion in Action receives:

• A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation;
• Media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles;
• Volunteer support from Citizens and NBC 10 employees;
• Public relations support;
• Promotional support, highlighting the Champion in Action in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs; and
• Exposure on both Citizens Bank and NBC 10 Web sites