Citizens Bank and NBC10 are now accepting applications for the second Champions in Action award of 2020, this time in the category of Environmental Stewardship. The Champions in Action program provides financial, volunteer and public relations support to local nonprofits that are ready to further their mission and reach the next level.

Nonprofit organizations that are focused on solving a social need through delivery of community-based environmental programming are invited to apply for the award, which will be announced in July 2020. Environmental Stewardship refers to responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Programming may include, but is not limited to, education & awareness, conserving natural resources, combating pollution, protecting biodiversity, sustainable development, green technology, and urban revitalization.

Applications can be completed online at citizensbank.com/community/champions-in-action.aspx and must be submitted by Feb. 21.

Champions in Action is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s initiative-designed to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in local communities. It provides support for small nonprofit organizations to recognize their contributions to communities throughout Rhode Island.

The selected nonprofit organization will receive $35,000 in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank; media coverage from NBC 10, including public service announcements and television profiles; volunteer support from Citizens’ colleagues; promotional support highlighting the Champion in Action in Citizens Bank branches; and exposure on the Citizens Bank and NBC10 websites.

To be eligible for consideration, an organization must be a Rhode Island-based nonprofit organization that serves Rhode Island and addresses the designated social concern; provide verification of tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code; and have a total operating budget of $5 million or less.

Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities is part of the bank’s broader Citizens Helping Citizens engagement platform through which the bank builds partnerships to develop neighborhoods, transform lives and stimulate economic renewal, with a focus on three key areas: fighting hunger, teaching money management and strengthening communities. Get more information about Citizens Bank’s community initiatives online.