History of The Power to Make a Difference

Born out of the Make a Difference Fund, in 2003, the Power to Make A Difference programme took its first steps toward becoming the next rewarding chapter in an ongoing history of collaboration with advocacy groups in the pursuit of building successful and sustainable societies.

Since the programme’s inception, we have had the opportunity to form powerful connections; working together to help enhance the quality of lives of persons with disabilities, supporting healthcare programmes, providing opportunities for young people to realise their truest potential through sport, education, literacy, culture and the arts, and raising the bar for community investment through a wide-reaching, comprehensive staff volunteerism programme.

The Power to Learn. The Power to Care. The Power to Help. The Power to Succeed.

Built on these pillars, the Power to Make a Difference programme provides the opportunity to engage diverse communities in the pursuit of sustainable development. At Republic Bank, we believe that if someone has the opportunity to create change for the better, then they have a responsibility to do it. Nineteen years ago, not waiting for anyone else to take up the mantle, we decided to act and that’s how our Power to Make a Difference programme (PMAD) was born. As the only financial signatory in the Caribbean to the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking and a founding member of the UN-convened Net Zero Banking Alliance, we are focused on bridging the gap in building a more successful, inclusive and caring society.

Throughout our journey we have celebrated several milestones and achievements and we’re grateful for being part of a remarkable journey of sacrifice, accomplishment, and discovery.

We are continually inspired by the alliances made, fully aware that behind the narrative and the stories of successful partnerships, are the lives of the people who we are able to help.

Currently in its fifth phase, (2023 - 2027), the Programme’s main focus is on supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) attainment, creating productive avenues for the youth of our nation, fostering entrepreneurship and empowering many individuals to aspire to their greatest potentials.

• Sustainability-focused initiatives that align with, but not limited to SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure and SDG 13 - Climate Action.
• Augmenting youth development through education, literacy, sport, arts and culture.
• Supporting healthcare initiatives, care for the elderly, and the needs of persons with disabilities.
• Investing in poverty alleviation programmes and empowering the socially marginalised.
• Championing business development programmes, environmental preservation and the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence.

In so doing, we aim to stay true to that simple oath made several years ago; the oath that beats at the heart of the programme. The Power to Make a Difference programme stands today as a promise and a shared desire to do what we can today to help build a better tomorrow.

With so many stories unfolding, check out any of our social media pages for more on the successes of the individuals and communities leading the cause for positive change in the region.