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At RMB we believe that good business creates a better world, and that good business and good work are not mutually exclusive.

Our corporate social investment (CSI) and volunteer activities continue to stand out and make a positive impact, as we pursue real relationships and cast our investments wisely and responsibly, to create the best ripples of action and influence across the challenges we face in our society.

The RMB Fund has invested upwards of R81 million in CSI between 2006/7 – 2010/11. During this time, we have matured as a grant maker within the FirstRand Foundation strategy, which has seen a number of positive changes
implemented gradually.

We have narrowed our CSI focus areas to four strategic fits – Maths leadership and development, Arts culture and heritage, the Environment and conservation, and our employee volunteer programme, the RMB Hug Fund. The RMB Fund is focused, with multi-year grants awarded to organisations which are good practice models, display excellence and meet specific programme objectives.

Maths Leadership and Development

It is crucial to enhance the national skills base with highly qualified people proficient in mathematics. The objectives of this programme are to increase access of previously disadvantaged learners to quality in-service teaching and learning of maths (also science and literacy) in secondary schools; develop cutting-edge theoretical and practical research in mathematics teaching and learning to impact on the quality and quantity of passes at FET level and beyond; explore and research solutions to the maths crisis; and increase the dialogue around maths education.

 

Arts, Culture and Heritage

RMB aims to encourage a healthy balance between the promotion of equitable access to arts and heritage, and the achievement of excellence. Objectives of the Arts, culture and heritage programme are to:

• Develop youth students in the performing arts in the disciplines of music, dance, drama and visual art
• Support best-practice organisations that focus on the provision of mentorship, including teacher development initiatives
• Support interventions that are able to demonstrate clear development outcomes
• Encourage the emergence of new, inclusive and eclectic cultural expressions
• Celebrate our diverse national heritage by supporting palaeontology heritage initiatives that promote education and inclusivity
  
  

Environment and Conservation

Aligned with FirstRand’s commitment to environmentally sensitive practices, the RMB Fund provides meaningful support to environmental and conservation initiatives that demonstrate strong educational and local community development opportunities through collaboration. Focus areas within this programme include biodiversity and conservation, education and community outreach, water conservation, research and advocacy, and community care for domestic animals.

The RMB Hug Fund – our employee volunteering programme

This programme thrives on a simple philosophy: "give stuff to and get stuff done for" vulnerable people and animals in our society. A top slice of CSI funding is allocated to matched giving, which incentivises staff (while not being able to fully match contributions) to give of their time, money and other resources to serve worthy causes and those less fortunate than ourselves. Main partnerships include: Africa Food For Thought, the Robin Good Initiative, Diepsloot Combined School, Akani (Diepsloot), LEAP Schools, Community Led Animal Welfare, Friends of Rescued Animals, Strathyre Girls Home, PEN and more . . .

For more information on CSI at RMB, please contact Yvette Nowell, or Anneke van Zyl.

To apply for a funding partnership, please visit Tshikululu Social Investments (www.tsi.org.za), fund managers for the FirstRand Foundation.