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Health & Fitness

Citizens Bank Presents Community Economic Development Grant Program

Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) would like to inform his constituents that Citizens Bank will be awarding up to $150,000 in grants through its Growing Communities initiative in Massachusetts. The initiative will bestow grants of $15,000 to $50,000 for projects that contribute to the resiliency of neighborhoods by encouraging economic growth. Growing Communities is a part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, a program supporting the economic vitality of the bank’s communities.

“Through the Growing Communities initiative, Citizens Bank is supporting local organizations working to improve our communities and providing a substantial benefit to the Commonwealth as a whole,” said Senator Ross. “This is an excellent opportunity for organizations seeking to foster economic development and enhance the communities that they call home. I encourage all those who may be interested to apply.” 

Growing Communities will focus on projects intended to revitalize neighborhoods in distressed communities, support local economic activity, create small businesses, and support job creation, among other efforts to make a neighborhood a more promising place to live and work. The initiative will also support efforts to make an area more livable, through block beautification, park cleanups, and public art enhancements. Projects aimed at increasing access to local farm systems and nutritious food, as well as providing financial education will also be considered.

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Eligible projects will meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and meet all eligibility requirements of the Citizens Bank Foundation;
  • Improve the quality of a specific neighborhood where there is a Citizens Bank branch location; and
  • Establish clear goals that will demonstrate and report measurable outcomes.

To view a complete list of requirements, visit: http://www.citizensbank.com/community/corporate/grants.aspx.

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The deadline for applications is September 19, 2013. Priority will be given to projects serving low- or moderate-income individuals, that strongly impact a community in need, that promote collaboration with other nonprofit partners and that provide a plan for long-term sustainability.

To apply, please complete the Citizens Charitable Foundation’s online application at www.cybergrants.com/citizensbank/charitable_grant using Growing Communities as the Project/Program Title. Applicants must also submit a supplemental Growing Communities Application narrative for the application to be reviewed.

For questions about the program or application process, contact Andrea Martinez Frey at andrea.martinezfrey@rbscitizens.com or MAGrowingCommunities@CitizensBank.com. Please contact the office of Senator Ross with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-1555 or Richard.Ross@masenate.gov.
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