The Citi Handlowy Leopold Kronenberg Foundation at Citibank Handlowy has operated a strategy of modern philanthropy for 10 years now. Through the Foundation Citibank Handlowy delivers national and local projects - the biggest such in Poland - as part of its corporate social responsibility strategy. The number of beneficiaries of projects supported by the Foundation already reaches 4.5 million.
It is not by accident that the patron of the Foundation is Leopold Kronenberg - a 19th century businessman, one of the founders of Bank Handlowy. He was known not only for his entrepreneurial skills but also for his charitable work. The aim of the Foundation is to provide assistance for programs promoting the public good. Philanthropic activities are conducted according to the carefully prepared strategy that focuses on four key areas:
- Economic education,
- Promotion of entrepreneurship,
- Local development,
- Preservation of national heritage.
The Foundation develops education programs for children and youth and organizes competitions inspiring university students to implement their own business ideas. It supports initiatives of associations and foundations in the field of local and regional development and education. The Foundation presents an annual award for outstanding achievements in the theory of economics. Moreover, the Foundation financially supports initiatives in the area of culture and makes an award for outstanding contribution to the preservation of the Polish cultural heritage.
A very important token of recognition for the activities of the Foundation was a special award of the Minister of Culture for the establishment of the annual Prof. Aleksander Gieysztor Award, which is made to individuals and institutions for their outstanding contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage. Moreover, the Employee Volunteer Program, which was launched in the bank in 2004, was honored by the main prize of the fifth edition of the Colors of Volunteering competition, in the category of "Corporate Volunteering" - as the closest to the actual idea of the volunteering. The "Colors of Volunteering" competition is organized by the Volunteer Center. Two volunteers from Citibank Handlowy received the title "Personality of the Month", which is also awarded by the by the Volunteer Center. It is a group of 1000 active volunteers that every day, through their work and commitment, put corporate social responsibility of the bank into practice.
