Focus Areas
RBC is committed to helping organizations make a difference and inspire others. Donations are intended to create social and economic opportunities that strengthen the health and well being in communities where we do business.
Education
Education is one of RBC's highest priorities, with over $13.0 million directed to this area in 2008. Our Priority Project is the RBC After School Grants Program. Outside of this priority project RBC directs our support to financial literacy.
- Math, science and technology programs, especially those geared for elementary and high school students
- Post-Secondary Education
Health & Wellness
With over $12.9 million donated in 2008, we have committed a significant amount of our funding to support the RBC Children's Mental Health Project. Outside of this priority project RBC is committed to supporting community and children's hospitals.
- Supporting health initiatives within diverse populations, such as Aboriginal or Cultural groups
Social Services
In 2008, RBC made a corporate donation of over $4.7 million to United Way/Centraide in communities across North America.
Our emphasis in these areas is service delivery and education.
- Programs assisting underserved populations, in particular new Canadians and Aboriginals
- Programs providing active, independent living for senior citizens
Civic
RBC is committed to helping improve the communities in which it has a presence. In particular, donations are targeted to:- Programs which address safety issues
- Assisting "at risk youth" or disadvantaged individuals develop job skills or start their own business
- Encouraging home ownership or access to affordable housing
Environment
In 2007, RBC unveiled the RBC Environmental Blueprint. As part of this new commitment we launched the RBC Blue Water Project™. Outside of this Priority giving area, RBC is committed to projects that are focused on:
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
Arts & Culture
Through the RBC Emerging Artist Project we invested $782,000 in apprenticeship and internship programs across Canada in 2008. Over the last five years, the RBC Foundation has donated more than $5 million to support visual arts programs across Canada.
Outside of this priority project RBC provides funding to Arts and Culture in the following ways:
- Promote cultural diversity and heritage awareness
- Bringing the arts to rural communities across Canada
Bringing meaningful, long-term change through outreach, volunteerism, corporate giving and corporate responsibility.
