Champions in Action

Support for nonprofits creating lasting change in our local communities.

Citizens’ Champions in Action program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that address social challenges facing our communities. Since 2002, the program has awarded over $11 million in unrestricted funds to more than 380 Champions. In partnership with media outlets, we also provide support through promotion, publicity and volunteerism to help our Champions in Action better serve our communities.

$50,000 in Unrestricted Funding

Local Media Coverage

Volunteer Support

Promotional Opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

To be recognized as a Champion in Action, an organization must

Be a nonprofit organization based in Eastern or Western Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York City or Rhode Island that addresses a specific social concern (topics are announced biannually in February and July)
Have a total operating budget between $250,000 - $5 million
Previous Champions in Action may reapply after five years have lapsed

These nonprofits are dedicated to preparing students and workers for in demand digital and technology jobs in order to meet the workforce needs of the future.

1Hood Media Academy – Western Pennsylvania

1Hood Media Academy envisions a world where every person is ensured equity, has multiple opportunities to achieve their fullest potential, and contributes to all aspects of life. 1Hood Media’s programs provide digital upskilling opportunities that help bridge the digital divide by helping youth and adults learn the skills necessary to think, act, and thrive in an everchanging world that systematically leaves marginalized communities unprepared to navigate and understand these and other technological advances.

America on Tech – New York City

America on Tech (AOT) creates tech career-connected pathways for underestimated students into degrees and careers in technology, empowering young people of color to disrupt inequitable and exclusionary systems. Programs focus on in-demand tech skills such as Web Development, UX Design, Product Management, Digital Marketing, Data Science, and Cyber Security. Youth can access services like mentorship, resume building, interview prep, stipends, exposure to hiring managers, and internship/job placements through AOT’s mentorship model.

Boston Music Project – Massachusetts

Boston Music Project is actively dismantling barriers to access in the music industry for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth. Since their founding in 2011, BMP has offered extensive creative development programs to thousands of Boston youth, recently expanding to include a paid Music Workforce Training program for youth, ages 14-22. This initiative prepares students for a spectrum of roles in the music industry, equipping them with vital skills to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends while ensuring a diverse and innovative future.

The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket – Rhode Island

Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket aims to inspire and enable young people from Pawtucket and surrounding communities to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Through their workforce development program, Members of Moguls, youth learn new skills through the digital literacy curriculum for STEM career initiatives, such as coding and information technology, to provide equitable access to education and employment for local youth.

GI Go Fund – New Jersey

GI Go Fund is an organization that assists military veterans and their families, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and all people in need with employment, entrepreneurship, benefits, and housing. Inspired by Marine Lt. Col. Justin Constantine, the GI Go Fund uses the innovative Constantine model to evolve with the needs of their entrepreneurs, helping them to not only provide office space, but also deliver critical infrastructure support to help them thrive.

Launchpad – Eastern Pennsylvania

Launchpad aims to build accelerated pathways from high school to high paying tech careers, especially for Black and Latinx youth. They prepare students to enter the tech talent pipeline, meet industry needs, and diversify the tech sector. Unlike traditional programs, Launchpad integrates essential soft skills into its curriculum, producing well-rounded graduates poised for success. They bridge the digital skills gap by providing free access to tech education.

Makers Mill – New Hampshire

Makers Mill's mission is to support workforce development and career pathways by providing access to resources and training, relative to the current job market. With a 10,000 square foot facility, individuals can access workforce and vocational training with a digital and technology focus to prepare students and workers for in-demand digital and technology jobs.

These nonprofits are dedicated to building a more sustainable future by improving energy efficiency within their own operations or expanding access to clean or renewable energy services in the communities they serve.

Clean Energy NH – New Hampshire

Clean Energy NH’s mission is to lead New Hampshire’s clean energy transition. Their vision is that by 2050, New Hampshire’s energy system is decarbonized.

Clean Energy NH

DownCity Design – Rhode Island

DownCity Design (DCD) helps people strengthen their communities by harnessing the creative power of the design process. Through their free afterschool and summer programs, DCD empowers youth and adults to improve the places where they live, work, and play, while developing essential skills and discovering career pathways.

DownCity Design

Franklin Food Pantry – Massachusetts

Franklin Food Pantry’s (FFP) mission is to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower their community through resources and collaboration. FFP has ensured that residents of Franklin and the surrounding communities facing food insecurity have had equitable access to healthy and nutritious food for 35 years.

Franklin Food Pantry

Philadelphia Orchard Project – Eastern Pennsylvania

The mission of the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) is to plant and support community orchards in Philadelphia. POP enables and empowers communities toward stronger, equitable, and more sustainable food systems.

Photo credit: Philadelphia Orchard Project

Philadelphia Orchard Project

The Citizen Science Lab – Western Pennsylvania

TCSL, led by an African American PhD, is a standout in the STEM community with their unmatched expertise, diverse staff, and history of impacting children of color. Their passionate team is devoted to top-tier STEM activities that heighten the academic and financial futures of youth by fueling a passion for STEM and green technology.

The Citizen Science Lab

THE POINT Community Development Corporation – New York City

THE POINT Community Development Corporation (CDC) is dedicated to youth development and the cultural and economic revitalization of the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. Celebrating more than 25 years of service, THE POINT offers a multi-faceted approach to asset-based community development

THE POINT Community Development Corporation

Sustainable Princeton – New Jersey

Sustainable Princeton's mission is to inspire their community to develop and implement solutions that positively impact the environment. Their vision is for Princeton to be a model town that examines every action through the lens of sustainability, ensuring a healthy environment, a strong economy, and the well-being of all community members now and in the future.

Sustainable Princeton

We work alongside our neighbors to build stronger communities. Discover how a few past Champions are making a difference in their communities.

For more than 20 years, Citizens has recognized and celebrated Champions in Action who are dedicated to creating lasting change in the communities where we live and work. In acknowledgment of this milestone anniversary, we celebrated some of the people and partners that make this program successful.

We work alongside our neighbors to build stronger communities. Discover how a few past Champions are making a difference in their communities.

Women’s Community Revitalization Project of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Women’s Community Revitalization Project is committed to social and economic equity for low-income women and their families.

Discover how this past Champion is helping their community through affordable housing and advocacy.

Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Wellspring House, Massachusetts

Wellspring House and Bridge Over Troubled Waters have both made it their mission to prevent homelessness and build brighter futures for at-risk youth and adults in Massachusetts.

Read how these past Champions are advancing workforce development for communities in need.

Genesis Center, Rhode Island

Genesis Center envisions a world where all people have equality of opportunity to realize their full potential, achieve economic independence and participate fully in society.

Explore how this past Champion is supporting the Southeast Asian community in the Ocean State.

Strengthening Communities

We work alongside our neighbors to build stronger communities.

Discover More

Citizens Helping Citizens

Strengthening the communities where we live and work. That's what Citizens Helping Citizens is all about.

Learn More

Progress on Diversity Demographics

Citizens has made significant strides to build a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.

Commitment to Pay Equity

Citizens is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and high-performing culture where everyone feels valued, respected and heard. Part of this commitment includes ensuring our compensation and benefits are fair and competitive for all colleagues.