RBC

RBC’s tradition of philanthropy dates back to its roots, with donations on record as far back as 1891. The company is one of Canada's largest corporate donors, and supports a broad range of community initiatives globally, through donations and sponsorships, and by encouraging employee giving programs.

RBC was a founder of Imagine Canada in the 1980s, and annually qualifies as an Imagine Canada “Caring Company”, donating at least 1 per cent of pre-tax profits (measured on a five-year rolling average) to charity. In 2007, RBC contributed more than $82.8 million to community causes worldwide through donations of more than $47.7 million and an additional $35.1 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations. Employees and pensioners worldwide contributed countless hours in volunteer activities and funds to not-for-profit groups through payroll deductions, direct giving and special events.

The company receives more than 25,000 requests for funding each year, and strives to provide a broad base of support to a range of causes.  It also strives to have an impact by focused funding on four key areas.

1. Water.  Lack of access to clean fresh water is considered to be one of the major threats to human health and economic development around the world. In late 2007, RBC launched the RBC Blue Water Project, which includes a grant program of $50 million over ten years to foster a culture of water stewardship. Grants are directed to charitable organizations that are working to protect watersheds and ensure access to safe drinking water.

2.  Children’s Mental Health. One out of every five North American children suffers from a mental health problem. The RBC Children’s Mental Health Program provides grants of up to $50,000 to organizations that deliver community based programs that focus on early intervention and prevention.

3  After-School Programs.  Helping children learn is one of the best investments a company can make. RBC believes that after-school programs give a real boost to the skills and knowledge children gain in a formal classroom. The company has been funding after-school programs since 1999, with $14.8 million given through 471 grants to 157 different organizations that have helped more than 14,000 children over the past nine years.

4.  Employee Involvement. RBC takes a leadership role in promoting philanthropic giving and community involvement among their employees. The company’s ‘dollars for doers’ program encourages employees and pensioners to donate time and energy to projects that they care about, with a $500 grant available for everyone who volunteers 40 hours or more annually. Since the program’s inception in 1999, RBC has made 12,488 grants and donated over $6.24 million to celebrate its employees' volunteer efforts.