Regions Bank gives two Atlanta are nonprofits a chance to win $5,000 and volunteer service

Avoiding a cycle of debt. Trying to build savings. Managing day-to-day spending. Paying for college. Planning for retirement. At all stages of life, people are making financial decisions.

Problem is, they are not always prepared.

Regions Bank works year-round to connect people with free financial education to help them manage their money.

And nonprofit organizations across our communities share that goal. So throughout April, which is Financial Literacy Month, Regions is highlighting the work of nonprofits that are helping people take charge of their financial futures.

Locally, Georgia Council on Economic Education and Communities in Schools are two of the nonprofits.

The mission of the Georgia Council is to help educators teach economics and personal finance in the public and independent schools of Georgia.

Each year, the nonprofit serves thousands of  K-12 teachers by conducting grade- and content-specific workshops designed to help teach the state-mandated standards in economics and personal finance. 

Since its founding in 1972, the Georgia Council has served tens of thousands of K-12 teachers throughout the state.

Communities in Schools works to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

The nonprofit supports children from birth to 18 years of age. By partnering with local businesses, social service agencies, health-care providers and volunteers, the nonprofit supports students with food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance and/or provides positive role models.

Regions is using its web and social media channels to spotlight the Georgia Council on Economic Education, Communities in Schools and other nonprofits with similar services.

The public can help, too.

As part of Regions’ “What a Difference a Day Makes” program, the Georgia Council on Economic Education, Communities in Schools and other nonprofits are currently highlighted in the What a Difference a Day Makes section of Regions’ news website.

Over the next couple of weeks, people can read about the work of these nonprofits. Readers ages 16 and over can vote once each day for their favorite organization.

Those votes, when tallied, will translate into financial and volunteer contributions for the nonprofits from Regions.

“Financial education leads to financial empowerment, and these two nonprofits in the Atlanta area are making a powerful difference by connecting people with skills they need for a brighter future,” said Bill Linginfelter, Atlanta area Market Executive for Regions.

“Through What a Difference a Day Makes, we’re raising awareness of programs and services provided by Georgia Council on Economic Education and Communities in Schools while encouraging public support and volunteerism.

By simply reading their stories and voting for their favorites, people can help these nonprofits further their mission and serve more people.”

In addition to the profiles at www.doingmoretoday.com/what-a-difference/, each participating nonprofit will be the focus of messages shared via @RegionsNews on Twitter. A video further illustrating the initiative is available on Regions’ YouTube channel.

Voting is underway now and continues through April 30. After voting concludes, the nonprofit with the greatest number of votes will receive a $5,000 grant from Regions.

All other contestants will receive grants of $500 or $1,000 based on their ranking. Further, Regions associates will provide a day of volunteer service to each participating organization.

Voters should live in any of the 15 states across the Southeast, Midwest and Texas, where Regions Bank operates branch offices. Top nonprofits will be announced in early May.

Financial education is one of Regions’ top priorities in terms of community engagement. Over the last five years, Regions has taught more than 300,000 Next Step financial wellness classes and helped more than 4 million people better understand financial topics.

Further, volunteer support is ingrained within the culture of Regions Bank. Each year, Regions associates company-wide provide tens of thousands of volunteer service hours to a variety of nonprofits. Also, part of “What a Difference a Day Makes” includes Regions providing each of its associates a paid day off every year to offer volunteer support for nonprofits.

The Georgia Council plans use the financial investment and volunteer service to create and deliver an effective teacher workshop focused on improving the financial lives of students in Georgia. Meanwhile, Communities in Schools will use the support to hold a financial literacy program for more than 700 students in middle and high schools in the area.