6.03.2000 ET

(CSRwire) Citigroup today announced that Citigroup Foundation has donated $1 million to Habitat for Humanity. The funds will be used to build many homes around the country for deserving families who would not otherwise be able to afford a house of their own. The company also announced a special program during the month of June at its Citibank Financial Centers in which it will encourage members of the community to volunteer for local Habitat for Humanity builds, and distribute free information on how people can reach their own goal of individual homeownership.

"We feel it is very important to be an active member of the communities in which we do business," said Marge Magner, Head of Citibanking North America and Primerica for Citigroup, "and the $1 million donation provides a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to that end. We also know that there are others in the community who would like to contribute in some way, and are inviting them to join one of the many Habitat for Humanity builds that will be coordinated through our Financial Centers. By working together, it will not only benefit the community as a whole but will also build the relationships that enable us to help everyone achieve their own goals for the future."

Owning a home has long been the American dream, and is more of a reality today than in any period in history. In fact, 67.1% of Americans live in a family-owned home - more than in any other country in the world. However, for those still pursuing the dream of homeownership, Citibank offers information through free seminars, and other programs that will provide the guidance they may need to achieve their goals. Seminars open to the public during the month of June are on the subjects of "Home Buyers" and "Home Equity Loans." Locations, dates and times are available at each Citibank Financial Center location.

To further emphasize Citibank's efforts to make dreams come true, the "Citibank is Opening Doors" sweepstakes will run from June 3rd to June 17th in every Citibank Financial Center across the country. Everyone is invited in to select a sweepstakes key, and to use that key to unlock the special door that will be on display in each Financial Center. If the selected key unlocks the door, the participant is automatically entered into a national sweepstakes drawing in which the grand prize is $50,000. There will also be ten regional prizes awarded of $5,000 each. Sweepstakes rules are available at all Citibank Financial Centers.

"Citigroup's support of Habitat for Humanity will make a world of difference to the families who will now have their own home," said Millard Fuller, founder and president of Habitat for Humanity. "We hope Citibank Financial Centers will draw hundreds of new volunteers into the Habitat movement. Together, we are opening doors across the country to families now locked out of the economic mainstream."

Dedicated to eliminating poverty housing, Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry founded by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda. HFHI and its 1,916 affiliates in 67 nations have build and sold more than 85,000 homes to partner families at no profit with zero-interest mortgages.

Citigroup Foundation's global giving program focuses on education and community development, along with funding a limited number of programs in arts education, and health and human services. Citigroup (NYSE:C) is the most global financial services company providing some 100 million consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in 100 countries with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage and asset management. The 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group brought together such brand names as Citibank, Travelers, Salomon Smith Barney, CitiFinancial and Primerica under Citigroups's trademark red umbrella. Additional information may be found at: www.citigroup.com.