RBC Foundation Grants - National Program (Outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area)

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

We do this by supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference in our communities and that have programs aligning with our funding ambitions.
Equipping people with the skills for a thriving future
Advanced technologies are creating millions of rewarding careers, but livelihoods are also being displaced and industries dislocated by the rapid shift in skills required.
We aim to support programs that:

• Build in-demand skillsProvide work experiencesHelp with credential building
• For example, we support programs that:

Build diversified skills in trades, artificial intelligence, technology, agriculture, health care, sustainability skills, emotional intelligence and business acumen, cultural and creative fieldsSupport re-skilling and upskilling through educationProvide access to in-demand skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communicationOffer mentorship or internship opportunitiesBuild and expand professional networks to grow and sustain career developmentSupport entrepreneurial expertiseHelp youth bridge the gap between school and workHelp people facing barriers to complete high school and/or enter and complete post-secondary educationSupport language learning specific to job requirementsProfile talent to match or expose individuals to new or expanded opportunities and experiences
General language learning not specific to job requirementsOther organizations’ scholarshipsSole funding for travel for end-user beneficiariesPrograms with unclear pathways to the future of workJob placements not related to intended career of participantGeneral volunteer opportunitiesPrograms that are recreational and do not include skill development for job readinessPrograms that do not have clear pathways to sustained employmentSalaries of internships at other for-profit companies
Drive more inclusive prosperity in our communities
We intend to support programs that:
Create stability by addressing food security, housing stability and access to health servicesIncrease financial well-being by helping people build financial confidence and manage their current and future financial situationsIncrease accessibility of community spaces by funding the physical accessibility of newly constructed buildings, and/or retrofitting of existing spaces
For example, we support programs that:
Improve long-term access to healthy and affordable food to alleviate pressure on short-term emergency supportsImprove access to housing that is safe, secure, and affordableEnable more inclusive health outcomes by removing barriers to relevant health supports and servicesHelp people improve financial confidence through tailored financial educationGenerate healthy financial habits through personalized coaching and counsellingHelp increase access to available benefits and tax creditsAddress unique barriers to appropriate financial services faced by specific populationsCreate easier access to buildings through installation of ramps, lifts and automated doorsCreate accessible restrooms, kitchens and workspacesProvide wayfinding signage or Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TSWIs) in flooringSupport outdoor spaces such as fully accessible trails, playgrounds or courtyardsAccommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices comfortably, such as by widening doorways and hallwaysUpdate lighting and acoustics, to support individuals with visual or auditory impairmentsProvide equipment designed to create accessible recreation or cultural experiences
Long-term relief programsGeneric education or awareness programsLarge-scale housing development projectsLand or easement purchase costsHospital equipmentGeneral disease-based researchPublic and/or partisan advocacy campaignsDirect payments to individuals or businessesGeneralized projectsUpdates to single-family dwellingsPaving of parking lotsGeneral equipment purchases
Support the transition to a net-zero economy
We intend to support programs that:
Advance climate change mitigation solutions that help reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), boost energy efficiency and/or promote decarbonization, particularly in the highest-emitting sectorsAdvance nature-based solutions that work with nature, given its inherent ability to sequester carbon and contribute to climate adaptation and ecosystem resilienceIncrease environmental sustainability of community spaces by funding capital improvements to reduce the carbon footprint or increase energy efficiency of a newly constructed buildings and/or existing spaces
For example, we support programs that:
Support capacity to drive clean technology solutionsBuild capacity and provide services to help facilitate the decarbonization of buildingsPromote environmental sustainability across the food supply chainSupport the transition to environmentally sustainable transportation optionsReduce waste and prolong the lifecycle of materialsShift consumption patterns and lifestyle choices towards more sustainable ways of livingConserve areas that are important for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, including those that generate third-party verified carbon creditsAdvance best management practices on working landscapes including farmlands, ranchlands and forestsEnhance green infrastructure in urban settings to help address environmental challenges and support climate adaptation and resilienceCreate experiential learning opportunities that foster understanding, connection and stewardshipSupport the use of renewable energy such as through installing solar panels to generate energy from the sunSupport energy recovery such as by installing an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)Install environmental features such as a green roof or bio wallConserve energy by updating windows or insulationHelp with alternative heating and cooling, such as a heat pump or ductless air conditioningConserve water, such as by adding low-flow plumbing fixtures, a rain sensor or insulating pipe
For-profit clean technology or climate change mitigation solutionsDirect payments or subsidies to individuals or businessesDirect contributions into stewardship endowmentsLand or easement purchaseGeneric education programs with no experiential connectionGeneralized projectsUpdates to single-family dwellingsHistoric restoration projectsUpgrades to storage buildings or buildings not associated with community use

Eligibility

Organizations must have the following501(c)3 registered public charity status for a minimum of three yearsA minimum annual operating budget of $100,000Located in a community where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence and has active community involvement.

Ineligibility

Generally, we do not support:Endowment campaignsMulti-year commitmentsStart-up organizationsThe Foundation Grant Program does not fund:IndividualsSports teams (unless they are a qualified donee)Political organizations or partiesPrivate or corporate foundationsCommunity foundations, unless for programmatic supportPrivate (fee-based) elementary or secondary schoolsTrade associations, advocacy organizations, chambers of commerce and professional organizationsReligious or sectarian programs or purposesEndowment or memorial campaignsGolf tournamentsTravel-related costs or eventsTheoretical researchOrganizations with values, purposes, policies or practices in conflict with RBC values