At Citizens Financial, we are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve. As part of our Back the Badge initiative, we’ve compiled an extensive list of organizations across California that contribute to various causes, including public safety, education, healthcare, animal welfare, homelessness, and food security. We encourage you to explore these organizations and consider supporting the causes that resonate with you.
While we strive to provide a comprehensive list, this compilation may not include every organization in California. Every loan we close is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Throughout the loan process, let us know which organization or association you’d like us to support. We’ll make a donation on your behalf, turning your journey to homeownership into a way to give back and strengthen the community where you live. Together, we can make a difference.
Supporting Public Safety Professionals
There are hundreds of unions, organizations, and associations supporting our public safety heroes. We encourage you to direct your charitable dollars to organizations that align with your values and make an impact in your community. At Citizens Financial, we believe in giving back locally to keep your contributions within your community. Below, we’ve highlighted a few notable associations, but there are many others worthy of your support.
Firefighters & First Responders
- California Fire Foundation: Provides critical support to firefighters and their families in times of need. LearnMore
- National Disaster Search Dog Foundation: Trains rescued dogs and partners them with firefighters to find people buried alive in disasters. Visit Website
- Firefighters Charitable Foundation: Offers financial assistance to individuals affected by fires and disasters. Learn More
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supports the LAFD by providing essential equipment, training, and public outreach programs. Visit Website
Law Enforcement & Correctional Officers
- Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC): Advocates for law enforcement professionals through leadership, education, and legislative efforts. Learn More
- Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) California Chapter: Supports families and coworkers of fallen officers. Get Involved
- California Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CCPOA): Provides financial assistance to correctional officers and their families. Learn More
- Los Angeles Police Foundation: Funds essential equipment and programs for the LAPD to enhance public safety. Visit Website
- San Francisco Police Officers Association: Supports officers and their families through various programs and initiatives. Learn More
Supporting Educators & Healthcare Workers
Educators and healthcare workers are the backbone of our communities, and there are countless organizations dedicated to supporting them. We believe in empowering you to make a difference by choosing where your charitable dollars go. By focusing on local initiatives, we can ensure your contributions directly impact the community where you live. Below is a sample list of some incredible groups, but the choice is yours!
- California Teachers Association (CTA) Education Fund: Enhances educational resources for teachers and students. Visit Website
- California Nurses Foundation: Offers scholarships and wellness support to nurses statewide. Learn More
- Teach for America – California Region: Recruits and trains teachers to serve in low-income communities across California. Get Involved
- HealthCare Foundation Northern Sonoma County: Provides grants and support to healthcare initiatives in the region. Learn More
Supporting Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a cause close to many hearts, and there are numerous organizations doing incredible work to protect and care for animals in need. We encourage you to support groups that resonate with you and serve your local area. Below is just a small sampling of organizations, but please feel free to suggest others that you are passionate about.
- North Valley Animal Disaster Group: Provides emergency temporary shelter, evacuation, medical care, and identification services to reunite animals with their owners or adopt them into suitable permanent housing. Adopt orDonate
- Best Friends Animal Society: Works toward a future where all shelter animals are safe. Join the Mission
- Pasadena Humane: Compassionately cares for animals, provides community support services, facilitates adoptions, and educates on responsible pet ownership in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Learn More
- San Francisco SPCA: Dedicated to saving and protecting animals, providing care, adoption services, and advocacy. Visit Website
Supporting Homelessness & Food Security
California is home to countless organizations dedicated to addressing homelessness and food insecurity. While we’ve included a few examples below, there are many more that could benefit from your support. We encourage you to choose an organization that reflects your values and helps your local community.
- California Coalition for the Homeless: Provides resources and advocacy to combat homelessness. Learn More
- California Association of Food Banks: Helps families access nutritious food across the state. Donate Here
- WeHOPE: Believes that access to clean water, a healthy meal, and affordable dignified housing is a basic human right, providing services to those facing homelessness. Support Here
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Mobilizes resources to fight hunger in the community. Get Involved
- San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Works to end hunger in the San Francisco and Marin counties. Learn More
Making a Difference Together
By supporting these organizations, you’re not only achieving your homeownership goals but also creating lasting change. At Citizens Financial, we believe in turning every closed loan into a meaningful contribution to the causes you care about most. Together, we can build stronger, more connected communities—one loan at a time.
