FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
May 08, 2007
Citi Foundation Awards $220,000 to Delaware Financial Literacy Institute
Wilmington, Delaware – As part of its ten-year, $200 million commitment to financial education, Citi Foundation announced today a two year, $220,000 grant to the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute. This grant supports the highly successful “From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money.”
The Purses to Portfolios program was launched by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and the Citi Foundation in 2004 with a free one-day conference for women on financial self-sufficiency. The program has grown since 2004, to include a free conference every two years, quarterly community special events, a quarterly newsletter, website, and an expanded “Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money“ certificate program that recognizes women and men for taking at least ten hours of financial education through Delaware Money School classes and events.
“I am pleased to continue our successful relationship with the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and present a $220,000 grant from the Citi Foundation to continue the program,” said John Kohari, Managing Director, Global Transaction Services, Citi. “At Citi, we believe that strong financial education programs raise the quality of life for individuals and families and are an important first step toward attaining economic self-sufficiency. Through this program, we want to empower women across the state by providing the information, tools, and opportunities they need to make informed financial decisions and reach their financial goals.”
“I commend Citi for its integral role in bringing the important issue of financial education into the spotlight and helping to fund new programs,” said State Treasurer Jack Markell. “The support of Citi and the Citi Foundation continues to enhance financial education programs targeted to women so they may obtain the tools they need to become financially secure and independent. No matter your age or financial situation, how you handle your money and plan for your future is critical.”
“Women face unique financial challenges that make it imperative they take an active role in their finances,” said Dara Duguay, Director of Citi’s Office of Financial Education. “Financial education programs like ‘From Purses to Portfolios’ are vital in helping women become self-sufficient, build wealth and turn money mistakes into money successes. Citi is dedicated to improving financial education in communities we serve.”
In 2004, Citi and the Citi Foundation announced a ten-year, $200 million global financial education commitment, the formation of a new Office of Financial Education and a global initiative designed to encourage Citi’s more than 300,000 employees around the world to devote time to support financial education and other charitable causes.
To date, Citi and the Citi Foundation have invested nearly $85 million in financial education programs in 72 countries, putting us well ahead of schedule. Citi Foundation-sponsored programs have touched the lives of more than one million people around the world.
In addition, through Citi's volunteerism initiatives, over 5,000 Citi employees around the world have given their time and talent to promote financial education.
Since 2000, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, home of the Delaware Money School, has provided community-based, free financial education classes taught by financial professionals.
Additional information about the “From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of their Money” program can be found online at: www.pursestoportfolios.com
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Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi’s major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Citi Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation supports organizations that help people improve their lives, businesses to grow, and communities to prosper around the world. The Citi Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas: financial education, educating the next generation, and building communities and entrepreneurs. Additional information can be found at http://www.citigroupfoundation.com/.
Citi Financial Education Program
Based on the belief that knowledge is your greatest asset, the Citi Financial Education Program is a global, company-wide effort to identify, support and implement initiatives that help give individuals, families and communities the tools needed to make sound financial decisions. Citi's ten-year, $200 million global commitment is focused in three areas: Personal, Small Business and Institutional Financial Education. Additional information about Citi Financial Education Program, including Citi Foundation guidelines, links and resources and the Citi Financial Education Program Curriculum and Facilitator's Guide may be found at http://financialeducation.citigroup.com.