RBC helps thousands of kids with a safe, structured place to go after school

Call for 2014 RBC After School grant applications announced

TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - For over a decade, RBC has been investing in organizations that provide kids across the country with a safe and structured place to learn, develop social and sport skills and build self-esteem. The RBC After School Project today announced a call for applications for community-based organizations that offer after school programs. A total of $3 million in grants will be available for the 2014-15 school year.

"We're focused on ensuring that kids are getting the best start possible by providing after school opportunities to continue to learn, socialize and grow," said Shari Austin, vice-president, Corporate Citizenship, RBC and executive director, RBC Foundation. "The RBC After School Project is just one of the ways we're committed to building a better future and making a real difference in the lives of kids and families in Canada."

RBC After School Project grants of up to $40,000 are provided by the RBC Foundation to programs for at-risk or underserved communities that offer structured, supervised activities in an environment that provides what RBC has termed the "3 S's": safety, social skills and self-esteem. To qualify for a grant, organizations should offer after school activities five days a week and include a variety of programs such as computer instruction, sports, literacy, music and art lessons, nutritional guidance and help with homework.

The grants are determined by regional community panels made up of youth and education experts. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 14, 2014, with results communicated to grant recipients by Friday, June 6, 2014.

RBC has also streamlined the process for grant applications, requesting that interested organizations submit their full application forms online. Information, application guidelines and the new online application system can be found at www.rbc.com/afterschool.

Since 1999, RBC has provided more than $30 million to after school programs through 1,056 grants to 265 different organizations, helping more than 35,000 children across Canada. The RBC After School Project is part of the RBC Believe in Kids pledge, a five-year, $100 million commitment to improving the well-being of one million children and youth in Canada.

About RBC Believe in Kids Pledge
RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2012, we contributed more than $95 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $64 million and $31 million in sponsorships. In 2013, the company announced the RBC Believe in Kids pledge, a five-year, $100 million commitment to improve the well-being of one million children and youth.

SOURCE: RBC

Media Contact:
Alicia DeBoer, Communications, RBC, 416 974-2131, [email protected]

Charities looking for information about the grants should contact:
Sandra Stewart, Corporate Donations, RBC Foundation, 416 974-6717, [email protected]