RBC helping kids fill the gap between school work and homework

2015 after school grant applications now open

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - For some kids in Canada, the ring of the bell at end of the school day can signal the start of a lonely time. Having a wide range of after school programs can help kids improve their academic, leadership or athletic skills and give them a chance to shine.

The RBC After School Project today announced a call for applications for community-based organizations that offer after school programs. The grants of up to $40,000 are provided by the RBC Foundation to at-risk or underserved organizations that offer structured, supervised programs in an environment that provides what RBC has termed the "Three S's": safety, social skills and self-esteem.

"There is a great opportunity to fill that window of time between school and homework time with programs that can help build kids self esteem, ignite a new passion for learning or establish new or nurture existing mentor relationships, " said Shari Austin, vice-president, Corporate Citizenship, RBC and executive director, RBC Foundation. "The RBC After School Project is part of our larger commitment to kids and youth through the RBC Kids Pledge, a five-year, $100 million promise to support a wide range of programs for developing well-rounded kids and youth."

According to data from the first RBC Kids Optimism Survey released in November 2014, for more than half (51 per cent) of Canadian kids, the opinions of mentors play an important role in how they feel, think and behave. After school programs that include mentoring opportunities can help kids improve their skills in areas like academics, arts, and sports.

The applications are reviewed by regional community panels made up of youth and education experts. The deadline for applications is Monday March 16, 2015, with results communicated to grant recipients by Friday, June 5, 2015.

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.

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.

About the RBC After School Project
The RBC After School Project is a multi-year philanthropic commitment to support community-based organizations that provide programs for children and youth aged 6 to 18 with structured, supervised activities that enhance safety, social skills and self-esteem.

Since 1999, RBC has provided more than $33 million in grants to 278 community-based after school programs in Canada, helping almost 35,000 children. We are actively involved with charitable organizations around the world and we support our employees in their volunteering efforts. Learn more at www.rbc.com/community-sustainability.

About the RBC Kids Pledge
The RBC Kids Pledge is a $100 million commitment over five years to help one million kids and youth across Canada. These funds will go towards a range of programs supporting the well-being of kids and youth, including the RBC After School Project, RBC Learn to Play Project and the RBC Children's Mental Health Project.

SOURCE RBC

For further information:

Media Contact:
Jason Graham, Communications, RBC, 416-313-5789 [e-mail]

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