NEW YORK — The Citi Foundation has announced a new $35 million national initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations strengthen financial resilience for low-income households across the United States, expanding support for families facing mounting affordability and economic pressures.
According to the foundation’s Jan. 28 press release, approximately 70 nonprofit organizations will each receive $500,000 grants to support programs focused on household financial stability, savings access, workforce readiness, and long-term economic mobility.
The initiative comes as many American families continue to navigate rising living costs, debt burdens, and limited access to emergency savings. Citi Foundation leaders said the program is intended to provide local organizations with flexible resources to expand community-based financial empowerment efforts.
“As affordability challenges push many American families to their financial limits, the Citi Foundation aims to bolster the financial health of low-income communities,” the organization stated in the release.
The grants are expected to support nonprofits working in areas including financial coaching, small-business development, workforce training, affordable banking access, and community lending programs. The initiative reflects a growing trend among major corporations and philanthropic institutions to invest in grassroots organizations with direct community relationships and measurable local impact.
Community development advocates say long-term financial resilience depends not only on income growth, but also on access to education, trusted support systems, and sustainable economic opportunities. Programs funded through the initiative are expected to prioritize underserved populations disproportionately affected by inflation and economic instability.
The effort also highlights the increasing role nonprofit organizations play in bridging gaps between economic policy and real-world household needs. By directing substantial funding toward community-based groups, the Citi Foundation initiative seeks to create scalable models that strengthen economic participation and long-term stability.
Bruce Petillo, founder of Heartitude, said initiatives focused on empowering local communities can create lasting ripple effects far beyond financial assistance alone.
“When organizations invest in people at the community level, they help restore confidence, dignity, and hope,” Petillo said. “Financial resilience is about more than money — it’s about giving families the opportunity to believe in a stronger future.”
The Citi Foundation said the initiative is part of its broader mission to advance economic opportunity and support underserved communities nationwide.
Original Press Release:
Citi Foundation Press Release