NEW HAMPSHIRE — Citizens and New Hampshire Union Leader are now accepting applications for the 2026 Champions in Action grant program.

This initiative focuses on assisting nonprofit organizations in building artificial intelligence (AI) readiness and organizational capacity to enhance their community impact.

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations operate, and many nonprofits are exploring these tools to save time, reduce costs, and expand their reach. More than 85 percent of nonprofits report experimenting with or exploring AI, but only 24 percent have a formal AI strategy. More than half cite time and capacity constraints as barriers to adoption.

The 2026 Champions in Action grant is designed to address this challenge by supporting a local nonprofit ready to take practical steps toward AI adoption. The selected organization will receive $50,000 from Citizens. It will also gain earned media coverage from New Hampshire Union Leader and skills-based volunteer support from Citizens colleagues.

Marc Lubelczyk, New Hampshire Market President for Citizens, commented on the program. He stated, “For many nonprofits, the question isn’t whether AI could help—it’s whether they have the time, people, and resources to use it well.” Lubelczyk added, “Through Champions in Action, we’re meeting organizations where they are and helping them build the readiness needed to move from experimentation to meaningful impact.” He also said, “We’re proud to support a local nonprofit that’s investing in its people, strengthening its operations, and embracing innovation in service of this community.”

Nonprofits seeking to build internal readiness, strengthen digital skills, and identify mission-aligned uses for AI are encouraged to apply. Potential applications include automating administrative tasks, improving data insights, enhancing donor engagement, and streamlining grant development. Organizations must be New Hampshire-based, have an operating budget between $250,000 and $5 million, and be able to provide one to two volunteer projects for Citizens colleagues.

Applications can be completed online at citizensbank.com/champions. The deadline for submissions is March 13.