The Savings and Loan Association VIII Call for the José Santiago Reinoso Lora Competitive Funds for Sustainable Development , 2024-2025, an initiative that seeks to promote innovative solutions with social, economic and environmental impact in communities throughout the Dominican Republic.
With an endowment of RD$12,000,000, 10 projects of Non-Profit Associations (ASFL) were recognized in three categories: environmental , social and economic ; in addition to a special award for a triple-balance , a new category in this edition.
During the event, CEO José Luis Ventura highlighted that "this program has established itself as a platform for social, economic and environmental transformation, and this year we are especially proud to include a budget item dedicated to triple bottom line social enterprises, a further step that underscores our commitment to sustainability."
He reported that, throughout its eight editions, the program has demonstrated significant growth in both participation and impact, as since its inception it has allocated RD$75,000,000 to co-finance 64 non-profit projects nationwide.
Yara Hernández , Vice President of Communications and Sustainability, praised the work of the non-profit organizations (ASFL) for becoming allies that allow the Cibao Association to channel resources to the communities.
“We cannot reach communities alone, and that is why we rely on the leadership of non-profit organizations to continue promoting development. It is our commitment to maintain the availability of our human resources through corporate volunteering, free training programs, this grant-based funding program, and the support we are approving daily through donations and sponsorships,” he added.
Association executives with the winners. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
Resource allocation
In the social sphere, RD$6,150,000 was distributed among five entities: Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Santiago de los Caballeros , with the project "Equipment and development of a technological program for entrepreneurship and job placement of young people in the Santiago Oeste municipal district"; the Francina Hungría Inc. Foundation , with "The Leadership and Autonomy School for people with visual disabilities (ELA)"; the Abriendo Camino Foundation , with "Recycling on the way"; Generar Acciones Foundation , with "Voces San Rafael: musical education and training of a children's choir"; and the Nature Power Foundation , with its "Community center and playroom in Las Mercedes".
In the environmental area, RD$3,200,000 was awarded to three initiatives: the Dominican Botanical Society (SDB) with its pioneering project "First inventory of diatoms in the Dominican Republic, on seasonal variations and indicator species of environmental pollution"; the NTD Ingredients with "Water supply in Pedro Brand. AQUABA, for the water of La Cuaba"; and 3Rs Sustainability with "Saona, sustainable paradise: creation of waste logistics in mangrove forests and use of organic waste."
For the economic component, World Vision International received RD$1,500,000 for its initiative "Cibao Youth Learns and Finds Employment." Finally, in the social entrepreneurship category, RD$1,150,000 was awarded to Palero Eco Aventura for the project "Strengthening the Ecotourism Offer and Sustainable Development in the El Palero Community, Santiago Rodríguez Province."
This edition received a total of 155 applications submitted by 149 non-profit organizations from Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, National District, Santo Domingo, Duarte, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, La Romana, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Samaná, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Pedro de Macorís, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Valverde, equivalent to 23 provinces and 1 National District, which is equivalent to about 75% of the provinces of the country.
The formal presentation of certificates took place at the Cibao Association in Santiago, where it reaffirmed its national reach and its growing participation in shaping the country's associative fabric.
