>Making a responsible contribution to the community
The following is a list of case studies from ESBG members on the implementation of this Charter principle. The case studies are listed by country in alphabetical order.
Austria
Value Added by Sparkassen Group Austria
Austrian savings banks were founded for the benefit of the customers in their region and still stand for the same values as they did back then. We make an important contribution to the regional economy in Austria and thus support stability and simultaneous economic recovery, not least by securing jobs. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now used by many as a protective coating, distracting from real problems. As savings banks we already have this community orientation anchored in our founding nearly 200 years ago, acting as a genetic code.
Austria
PROJECTS by the Sparkassen Group, Austria
The Sparkassen Group invested a total of EUR 18.8 mn in regional social, charitable and cultural, youth and education projects in 2016. By doing so, the savings banks group returned a noteworthy part of the profit it had generated to the regions – thus putting into practice the idea of advancing the public interest. The money was spent on hundreds of projects all around Austria.
Austria
Erste Time Bank – The Volunteers Portal of Erste Bank and Sparkassen
Erste Bank Oesterreich and Erste Group Bank, together with their subsidiaries, as well as many of the regional Savings Banks (Sparkassen) take part in the Time Bank initiative which allows employees throughout Austria to volunteer time in their local communities.
Austria
ERSTE Foundation projects in 2015
ERSTE Foundation is active in Central and South-Eastern Europe with projects initiated or supported within three programmatic areas: Social Development, Europe and Culture. In 2015, the Foundation’s total budget was 7,697 million Euros (for funding and expenditures). Since 2005, ERSTE Foundation has allocated over 70 million Euros to about 1300 projects.
Austria
Kärntner Sparkasse - Privatstiftung Kärntner Sparkasse AG and welfare projects
Over the past 3 years (2013-2015) Kärntner Sparkasse AG and Privatstiftung Kärntner Sparkasse (Private Foundation holding 75% of stocks) distribute an amount of € 3.6 million to a wide variety of common welfare projects which embrace small ancient customs as well as big cultural sponsorings or direct social help to indigent families.
Austria
ERSTE Bank Sponsoring VALUE Program
The Sponsoring VALUE Program is ERSTE Bank’s commitment to social responsibility and, moreover, to values that the enterprise deems worthy of support.
Austria
Supporting Voluntary Hospice Work in Austria: cooperation between Hospice Austria and the Austrian Savings Banks Group
The cooperation of the Austrian Savings Banks Association and Hospice Austria started in 2007 on a federal level and was extended to the Austrian provinces in 2008. The Austrian Savings Banks Group supports nationwide training and education of volunteers for hospice and palliative care institutions. Hospice capacity and the qualifications of hospice volunteers in Austria have been significantly enhanced over the past five years.
Hospice Austria is the non-profit, independent, national umbrella organisation of about 250 hospice and palliative care institutions in Austria. Its main objectives are the implementation of nationwide hospice and palliative care and the care for long-term financing of these activities. Hospice and palliative care should be accessible and affordable for all who need it.
The cooperation of Austrian Savings Banks Group and Hospice Austria was extended to the regional level with a cooperation between regional hospice teams and regional Austrian Savings Banks in 2008. Public awareness is raised by common activities and public relations.
Furthermore, the Austrian Savings Banks Group supports nationwide training and education of volunteers in hospice and palliative care institutions. Thanks to this cooperation hospice capacity and the qualifications of hospice volunteers in Austria have been significantly enhanced over the past five years.
France
Sponsorship activities by the Caisses d’Epargne
A commitment to philanthropic activity lies at the heart of the history, identity and values of the Caisses d’Epargne. As a result of this historic commitment, the Caisses d’Epargne are among the leading patrons in France. In 2016, patronage activities represented €21.5 million. Over 1,300 local projects – primarily solidarity-based – were financed.
France
French Savings Banks supporting women entrepreneurship
A framework agreement was signed between the French government, the French public financial company Caisse des Dépôts et des Consignations and Caisses d’Epargne for 2018-2020. That agreement aims to implement a national action plan to promote women entrepreneurship.
France
French Savings Banks: Responsible purchasing policy: Promoting a lasting, balanced relationship with suppliers
In 2016, the Responsible Supplier Relations Label was awarded to Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France and Caisse d’Epargne Midi-Pyrénées.
Germany
Sparkasse Trier and accessibility
Have you forgotten your glasses? Broken your leg? Are you out and about with a pram? Everyday life can quickly turn into a challenge. Price tags are illegible, stairs insurmountable, narrow passages impassable. Sparkasse Trier wants to make sure that its customers have access to its services and therefore has been promoting a fully accessible environment for years.
Germany
Sparkasse Krefeld and vocational training
When it comes to their future, German trainees trust the Savings Banks. In 2014, the Savings Banks Finance Group employed around 22,500 vocational trainees – and some institutions take an unusual approach. Sparkasse Krefeld, for example, has interesting alternatives in store for those who decide to cut short their university studies: it is also a training centre for chefs.
Germany
Savings Banks’ German-Polish cooperation office and the Fröbel Group
Savings Banks are advocates of sustainable economic growth, both in Germany and beyond. In Frankfurt / Oder, for example, the Savings Banks' German- Polish Cooperation Office supports enterprises on both sides of the border. This support was used by the Fröbel Group, which runs day nurseries and after-school childcare centres.
Germany
Südholstein Savings Bank Foundation: Smart little brains
The market-economy depends upon well-trained, high-performance employees. But education is expensive. Therefore, many savings banks foundations support educational offers for children and young people. One advanced example is the Südholstein Savings Bank Foundation which actively supports an enrichment programme to support particularly talented children. Through specific works, the young students discover their talents. Their special skills are brought to life.
Germany
Sparkasse Heidelberg: "Bahnstadt Heidelberg" - Creating something that will last
Savings Banks help to develop high-quality living space, thus shaping their region’s economic future. Sparkasse Heidelberg actively contributes to the development of a new city quarter that fosters the sustainability in both ways: economically and ecologically. Upon completion in 2017 “Bahnstadt Heidelberg” will not only provide high-quality living space but bring together offices and laboratories, educational facilitites and centres for daily needs, such as groceries.
Germany
East German Savings Banks Association: “Big Emma” New life in the countryside
The East German Savings Banks Association, together with municipalities and local businesses, engages in a pilot project fighting against the decline of retail stores and other services in rural areas. The first “Big Emma”, a mini-centre for shops and meeting place for residents, opened its doors in Zabelitz, in the Eastern region of Germany.
Luxembourg
BCEE looks after the community
In accordance with article 5 of its Statutes (law of March 24th, 1989), the mission of Banque et Caisse d’ Epargne de L’Etat ( BCEE) is:
- to contribute by its activities, in particular financing activities, towards economic and social development of the country in all areas and,
- to promote savings in all forms
Norway
The Norwegian Savings Banks Association - Making a Responsible Contribution to the Community
Members of Finance Norway are making a responsible contribution to the community through donations, the organisation of awards and scholarships, the implementation of financial education programmes, and making responsible investments.
Portugal
GEOfundos, a fund for success supported by Associação Mutualista Montepio
The Social Economy context in Portugal can be summarized as follows: funding needs of 750€ million, more than 55.000 Socially Purposed Organisations (SPOs) and a potential funding available of 1250€ million. GEOfundos started to address the need to build capacity amongst SPOs and social entrepreneurs by improving the availability of information on funding opportunities. GEOfundos is a solution aiming to increase the ability to obtain effective and efficient funding which will lead to the improved financial sustainability of SPOs and social entrepreneurs.
Portugal
Montepio and the Montepio-CASES Social Impact Program
Measuring and demonstrating social impact are decisive elements for organizations aiming to be distinguished in the actual context of limited resources. Based on that principle, Montepio Foundation and CASES have launched the 2nd edition of Social Impact Program, addressed to organizations who want to train themselves in assessing the social impact of their projects.
Portugal
Montepio Foundation approves its Higher Education Program
Addressed to universities, the Montepio Foundation Higher Education Program aims to support students who demonstrate difficulties in supporting the normal costs of higher education, namely tuition fees, accommodation, food and school supplies.
Portugal
Montepio Foundation and the Guidelines for Social Investors
The Guidelines for Social Investors are an initiative of GRACE, an Informal Group dedicated to social impact evaluation issues, which integrates entities of different sectors of society (State, companies, foundations, universities and organizations). Montepio Foundation participated actively in GRACE.
Portugal
Caixa Geral de Depósitos: Young VolunTeam Programme
Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) is strongly committed to new and innovative projects in the area of corporate social responsibility. In 2012, among various initiatives in other fields of corporate social responsibilty, CGD launched the Young VolunTeam Programme. The aim of this programme is to increase volunteering amongst young people in Portugal. Therefeore CGD partnered with prestigious and knowledgeable organisations with expertise in the field of sustainability consulting and volunteer promotion, in order to educate pupils on this matter by providing them with training and guidance.
Portugal
MONTEPIO: performing fundamental economic and social functions
MONTEPIO, founded in 1840, is a Portuguese mutual association known for its recognized solid brand, for its historical foothold on mortgage and credit to real estate developers, as well as for its promotion of social well-being and values.
Portugal
Montepio Foundation: Contribute responsibly to the community
MONTEPIO Foundation provides support to social organisations and nongovernmental institutions working on the ground, on innovative programs that promote social innovation.
Portugal
Product and Service Policy
From the standpoint of sustainability, this policy results from the CGD Group’s Marketing and Commercial Policy, and is aligned with the mission of CGD in its contribution to economic development; the stability and soundness of the domestic financial system; strengthening the competitiveness, capacity for innovation and internationalisation of Portuguese companies and applies to all products, segments and channels, assuming, as part of its focus on Customers, Quality, Innovation and Results, nine key commitments under the Product and Service Policy.
Portugal
CGD Employees: More than 33 thousand hours of volunteer work in the European Year of Volunteering
Employees of Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) surpassed the challenge proposed for 2011 of 20 thousand man hours in volunteer activities throughout the country, as part of the European Year of Volunteering. In all, Caixa’s employees accounted for more than 33 thousand hours of volunteer work, including environmental protection activities and interaction with communities, such as supporting disadvantaged and/or disabled citizens and cleaning beaches.
Portugal
Implementation of CGD commitment to sustainable development
Sustainable performance, underpinning CGD’s 135-year history, is reflected in the voluntary adoption of a set of economic, environmental and social commitments. These extend far beyond its legal obligations and needed compliance and engender an overall positive impact at the level of economic and sustainable development, by enhancing competitiveness, internationalization, the innovation capacity of companies, job creation, financial inclusion and the promotion of responsible consumption and renewable energy.
Portugal
Community Engagement Policy
CGD makes three basic statements in its Community Engagement Policy: to structure, assess and monitor its investments. This is how it will maximise the impact of its work, clearly in line with its core business, and give back to the community some of what it receives.
Portugal
Caixa Geral de Depósitos Social Bank and Caixa Fã Fund
Since 15 July 2010, Caixa has been the Official Bank of the Social Stock Exchange (BVS), which replicates the environment of a Stock Exchange, facilitating the meeting between civil society organisations and social investors willing to support these organisations through the acquisition of their shares.
The main objective of the Caixa Fã Fund is to support structural projects undertaken by Civil Society Organisations with the credibility and capacity to ensure the implementation, maintenance or expansion of projects falling within the areas of Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Spain
MicroBank & EIB announce agreement to facilitate access to finance for Master’s students in European universities
MicroBank and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have concluded a EUR 22.5 million agreement to provide loans to students on Master’s courses in European universities. EIB Vice-President Román Escolano and MicroBank’s CEO, Antoni Vila Bertrán, signed the finance contract.
Spain
Unicaja Banco Micro-credits for self-employment
Unicaja Banco, and the Confederación de Empresarios de Málaga (CEM) provide financing on advantageous terms, through micro-credits aimed at setting up an entrepreneurial and/or professional activity and thus promote self-employment and the creation of micro-enterprises.
Spain
Bankia Instant credits for SMEs and the self-employed through the POS terminal
Bankia has launched a new financing product for SMEs, businesses and the self-employed, associated with the POS terminal.
Spain
Bankia 2014 « Acción Social » Call
Bankia and Fundación Obra Social y Monte de Piedad de Madrid promote the Bankia 2014 “Acción Social” Act.
Spain
Caixabank creation of the "la Caixa" Volunteer website
At the beginning of 2014, CaixaBank created a volunteer work group with the aim of promoting the bank’s corporate social responsibility, permitting employees to develop their more social aspect and promote a sense of belonging, in compliance with CaixaBank values.
Spain
Caixabank Solidarity card micro donations
Caixabank Solidarity card micro donations is an initiative to involve customers in the bank’s corporate responsibility strategy and social action projects led by Obra Social “la Caixa”
Spain
Bankia Solidarity Network
In 2014, Bankia consolidated the Solidarity Network Project as one of its cornerstones for connecting its local development line and strategy for involving its employees in the bank’s social actions.
Spain
Bankia Employment Support Plan
In 2014, Bankia implemented an Employment Support Plan for the bank’s customers who were unemployed and in a situation of social vulnerability.
Spain
Unicaja Banco Participation at "EXPOLIVA" international trade show
Unicaja Banco once again confirms its support for the olive and olive oil sector by taking part in Expoliva 2015, the sector’s most important international trade show.
Spain
Unicaja Banco Major partner at IMEX 2015
Unicaja Banco participated in 2015 as one of the major partners at the thirteenth edition of IMEX – Impulso Exterior- held between 15 and 16 April in Madrid.
Spain
Unicaja Banco CAP Agricultural Subsidies scheme
Once again, Unicaja Banco participates in 2016 in the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) agricultural subsidies scheme.
Spain
Unicaja Banco Supporting the agricultural sector - Intensive crop farming campaign
For the 2015-2016 intensive crop farming season, Unicaja Banco reinforces its traditional support for the agricultural sector.
Spain
Unicaja Banco Support for trade in Historic Centres
Unicaja launched in 2014 a campaign to support trade in the Historic Centres of seven cities in Andalusia and Ciudad Real, boosting Christmas shopping by giving away prizes.
Spain
Microbank Social Enterprise Credit
Aimed at entrepreneurs who want to respond, with their activity, to social needs.
Spain
MicroBank Ethical Fund
The Microbank Ethical Fund is an ethical and solidarity mixed fund that combines the search for profitability with social responsibility related criteria.
Spain
Kutxabank Nakar Visa card
The Nakar Visa card is issued together with non-profit associations.
Spain
Liberbank Agreement to boost business investment in Asturias
The Instituto de Desarrollo Económico del Principado de Asturias (IDEPA) and Liberbank have formalized a new partnership framework, which aims to boost financing and provide greater support for business investment projects promoted in the Principality of Asturias.
Spain
Liberbank support for the investment and improvement of the competitiveness of Extremaduran companies
Liberbank will open two financing lines amounting to a total of 60 million euros aimed at the investment and improvement of the competitiveness of the Extremaduran company business fabric, following the signing of a collaboration agreement with COEBA (The Badajoz Confederation of Business Organizations).
Spain
Liberbank Agreement to support the cooperative sector in Extremadura
Nearly 230 cooperatives and around 45,000 farmers in Extremadura will be able to benefit from this agreement.
Spain
Liberbank Support for international expansion of SMEs
Liberbank and the Cantabria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation signed a partnership agreement to support the international expansion of Cantabrian SMEs.
Spain
Kutxabank Preferential Financing Line for Bizkaia Metal sector companies
The agreement signed by Kutxabank and FVEM (The Vizcaya Federation of Metal Sector Companies) gives the associated companies access to the financing of their productive and working capital investments, in favourable conditions
Spain
Kutxabank Issue of Socially Responsible bonds
Kutxabank is the first financial institution in the State to market bonds aimed at a responsible project.
Spain
Kutxabank Financing for SMEs
The European Investment Bank and Kutxabank will allocate 400 million to SME investment projects.
Spain
Caixabank “CarácterEmpresa” awards
CaixaBank and the CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations) promote the CarácterEmpresa awards, which recognizes the effort of Spanish companies that innovate and are committed to internationalisation.
Spain
Caixabank. Medicus Mundi Visa card
CaixaBank launched in 2015 the Medicus Mundi Visa card to promote customers’ collaboration with charitable projects.
Spain
Caixa Ontinyent Innovation Department Sponsorship
Caixa Ontinyent and La Safor institutions and companies sponsor a Department for Innovation at the UPV (Public University from Valencia) Campus in Gandia.
Spain
CaixaBank Depósito Estrella Solidario
With "la Caixa" “Solidarity Deposits”, you can collaborate in the welfare projects of the NGO of your choice, donating from 25% to 100% of the profit generated to the cause you choose. With the Caixabank Depósito Estrella Solidario, 100% of the profit generated will go to the cause you choose.
Spain
Caixabank Agrobank
In September 2014, CaixaBank launched AgroBank with the aim of boosting growth in the agricultural sector and increasing the relationship with its customers in a segment with significant economic growth prospects in Spain.
Spain
Caixa Pollença Ethical saving
Caixa Pollença promotes ethical saving, a model that places ethics and solidarity at the core of finance and economy at the service of the people.
Spain
Caixa Ontinyent Repair and improvement of the Centre for the Mentally Handicapped
Caixa Ontinyent undertook in 2014 works for the repair and improvement of the Caixa Ontinyent Day Centre for the Mentally Handicapped.
Spain
BMN ”Vivienda en Red” programme
BMN has signed a collaboration agreement in 2015 with Provivienda, Prohábitat and Asociación Cultural Adultos de Cartuja to facilitate access to housing for individuals and families in situations of social exclusion.
Spain
BMN Solidarity insurance
BMN and Caser have carried out in 2015 an insurance campaign involving a solidarity action to support activities in favour of children implemented by UNICEF.
Spain
BMN Cáritas Credit card
BMN has issued a card that promotes solidarity.
Spain
Caixa Ontinyent and Afao renew their collaboration for another year
Obra Social from Caixa Ontinyent and “Asociación de Familiares y Amigos de Enfermos de Alzheimer de Ontinyent (AFAO)” have renewed in 2014 their cooperation agreement by which, in addition to the free use of the Centre, Caixa Ontinyent will make an additional contribution of 7,800 euros.
Spain
Caixa Ontinyent promotes the creation of social economy companies
Caixa Ontinyent, along with Centro Público de Formación Profesional La Costera and Xàtiva Town Council, set up the I Competition for Promoting the Creation of Social Economy Companies.
Spain
“Plan Emplea” by BMN
Plan Emplea eliminates fees and cuts financing costs for those bank customers hiring unemployed and young people entering their first job.
Spain
Bankia Volunteer Work
Bankia employees collaborate actively, and in their free time take part in different volunteer work and awareness-raising activities organized by the bank. In 2014, Bankia organised 64 days of volunteer work, timely and continuous, all over Spain, with 456 employee volunteers and their families.
Spain
Bankia First Spanish financial sector Dual Training project
Each year, 50 pupils from a school in Madrid and two in Valencia will carry out part of their Administration and Finance vocational training course at Bankia.
Spain
Bankia Plant your project
In this annual project, Bankia employees can propose solidarity projects in which they are volunteers and for which they want support.
Spain
ABANCA ReSuena Project
Based on an ethical, educational, occupational and artistic model, the main objective of the ReSuena Project, is the social reintegration of children and young people at risk of social exclusion.
Spain
Bankia Índicex
Bankia has created a tool so that SMEs and the self-employed can assess their digital competitiveness, immediately and for free.
Spain
ABANCA 'Words for Galicia' initiative
ABANCA presented in Santiago in 2015 “Words for Galicia”, an initiative that will present the Galician financial institution’s actions aimed at promoting debate, entrepreneurship and the implementation of projects that allow to build a fairer and more responsible society.
Spain
ABANCA Plan A-Impulsa to help businesses
Through Plan A-Impulsa, ABANCA improves the credit situation of companies with financial problems to ensure their medium or long-term viability.
Spain
ABANCA Corporate Volunteering Plan
ABANCA has implemented the ABANCA Corporate Volunteering Plan.
Spain
ABANCA S.O.S. Nepal Earthquake Aid Campaign
ABANCA Obra Social has closed its SOS Campaign on the Nepal Earthquake in 2015, having raised a total of 236,518.94 euros.
Spain
ABANCA Educational activities and school workshops
ABANCA Obra Social set up in 2015, in collaboration with the Afundación educational service, an educational programme that includes guided tours and school workshops related to the exhibition "Picasso e o seu mestre na Coruña, Isidoro Brocos".
Spain
ABANCA and FGC renew their alliance to boost Galicia trade sales
ABANCA and FGC (the Galician Trade Federation) have reached an agreement in 2015 to strengthen the collaboration framework held by both companies for decades with the aim of boosting small business sales of Galician enterprises.
Spain
ABANCA and AECA create an Economy, Finance and Business Administration Department
ABANCA and AECA (the Spanish Association of Accounting and Business Administration) have created the AECA-ABANCA Economy, Finance and Business Administration Department.
Spain
`ABANCA Agro e Mar´
ABANCA Agro e Mar is a specialized unit through which the Galicia-based bank will provide financial services adapted to the needs of professionals, companies, cooperatives and other members of Galicia’s primary sector.
Spain
“la Caixa” and the Business Alliance for Child Vaccination
The Business Alliance for Child Vaccination is a corporate social responsibility initiative promoted by "la Caixa" Foundation to fight against child mortality. The initiative encourages Spanish businesses and corporate leaders to join us in solidarity with the GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, to vaccinate and protect children living in some of the world’s most vulnerable places.
Spain
Caixa Capital Risc, investing in innovative companies
Caixa Capital Risc is Caixabank’s management company which invests in the first stages of Spanish innovative companies, with a high potential in emerging economy sectors.
Spain
CatalunyaCaixa Charitable Cards
CatalunyaCaixa has launched a Charitable Cards Initiative that enables cardholders to support local, non profit organisations dealing with social activities.
Spain
Kutxabank: Physical Impairment and accessibility
Kutxabank commits to undertake job creation for the impaired and adopts measures to facilitate accessibility.
Spain
Unicaja Financial Guidelines for businesses and entrepreneurs
Unicaja and the CEM (Confederación de Empresarios de Málaga- Businessmen Association of Malaga-) have released “Guía Financiera para Empresarios y Emprendedores” (Financial Guidelines for Businessmen and Entrepreneurs).
Spain
Bankia pilot programme for vulnerable groups
In 2012 Bankia launched a pilot programme for vulnerable groups with the aim of their social integration by boosting, in particular, their skills for employment.
Spain
Catalunyacaixa social renting
Catalunyacaixa has launched a plan in collaboration with several municipalities aiming to provide families in distress with housing.
Spain
Caixabank Affordable Housing and Charitable Rental Programme
La Caixa Group, through its Obra Social launched the Affordable Housing Programme in 2005. The programme aims to provide young and old people and families with access to housing.
Sweden
“A job at last” - Swedbank responds to a social challenge
Swedbank took the initiative to create 17 apprentice places with a duration of six months within our branches in southern Sweden in co-operation with the Swedish Employment Center. In the future the aim of the project is not only to create trainee positions at the actual branches, but more importantly to encourage and help the bank’s corporate clients to offer trainee positions themselves.
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