To mark Financial Literacy Month, Citizens recently announced a $2.85 million investment supporting 135 nonprofit organizations across 23 states to help expand access to financial education and strengthen financial confidence at key life moments. 

Through a combination of nonprofit partnerships, employee‑led education, and digital and community‑based resources, Citizens delivers practical financial guidance designed to meet people where they are — whether they are planning for college, managing day‑to‑day finances, navigating tax season, or growing a small business. 

“Access to clear, practical financial education can make a real difference in how people navigate important moments in their lives,” said Bruce Van Saun, Chairman and CEO of Citizens. “Through our investments, our work with nonprofit partners and our colleagues’ engagement in communities, we’re focused on helping people build skills that support informed choices and long‑term financial well‑being.” 

Expanding Financial Education Through Community Partnerships  

Citizens’ 2026 financial literacy investment supports 135 nonprofit organizations across 23 states, advancing community‑based programs that strengthen financial knowledge, access, and opportunity. 

These efforts include: 

  • Financial education for individuals and families, supporting foundational skills such as budgeting, saving, and money management 
  • Programs serving underserved and diverse communities, delivering culturally responsive education and asset‑building support 
  • Free tax preparation and financial stability initiatives, helping eligible individuals and families access critical refunds and credits 

In addition, Citizens supports student focused financial education delivered through nonprofit partnerships and school and community‑based settings, helping students and families navigate college planning, financial aid, and early financial decision‑making. In 2025, these efforts engaged more than 4,000 students and families nationwide through Citizens’ College Bound webinar series. 

Through Citizens Money Essentials, the bank’s employees led financial education program, skilled and passionate colleagues deliver company approved financial empowerment workshops to individuals and small businesses across the communities Citizens serves. 

Citizens Money Essentials workshops are offered in English and Spanish, helping expand access to financial education and support people at key financial moments. The bank also plans to roll out the modules in Chinese this summer.  

In addition to leading workshops, colleagues volunteer with national financial education partners such as Junior Achievement (JA) and Council of Economic Education, helping bring financial education, mentorship, and real‑world experience into classrooms and learning environments. 

 Employees also support communities through complementary efforts including free volunteer income tax assistance (VITA), mentoring, and nonprofit board service, bringing financial knowledge and expertise directly where it is needed most. 

Supporting Small Businesses through Education and Digital Skills 

Citizens supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through education and tools that help them adapt and grow. 

Through Digital Doors, a partnership between Citizens and Mastercard, small business owners can access educational resources designed to build digital skills — including establishing an online presence, accepting digital payments, and promoting and managing their businesses in a digital‑first economy. 

 

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