Investment in Social Work by CECA Sector Entities Reached 648 Million Euros in 2013
The Social Work of Savings Banks and Foundations created by Savings Banks financed 88,439 activities, most of which are social action initiatives.
The Social Work continues to stand out for its contribution to improving societal well-being, which is especially necessary in the current economic context, placing CECA-associated entities at the forefront of private social investment in Spain.
The new Savings Banks and Banking Foundations Law has transformed the management of Social Work. According to the new law, Social Work can be managed either by the Savings Banks themselves or by new Foundations in the case of groups that have created a separate entity to carry out banking activities.
In 2013, investment in its own Social Work amounted to 648 million euros, an increase of 14% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the efforts made by entities in the Sector to maintain their social activities.
Social Action, the Main Investment Area
The category of Social Action continues to be the main investment area, accounting for 49 percent of the total investment in Social Work. Notable programs include assistance programs for all groups at risk of social exclusion; social-themed courses, conferences, and congresses; social websites, classrooms, and cyber-classrooms; outreach programs; publications on social topics; and awareness-raising activities, among others.
The second area was Culture and Heritage, which received 19 percent of the investment. This was followed by the areas dedicated to Education and Research, with 14 percent of the funding. The areas of Environment and Local Development and Job Creation accounted for 8 and 7 percent of the investments, respectively. The remaining 4 percent was allocated to Sports and Leisure.
This investment has financed 88,439 activities, benefiting more than 32 million people in 2013.
Commitment to Sustainability
It is worth highlighting the gradual diversification of income sources for the Social Work of Savings Banks and Foundations created by Savings Banks. Approximately 13% of the funds generated in 2013 corresponded to self-generated activities, which represents a significant advance in recent years. This shows the major transformation of the management model of Social Works, aiming for the sustainability of this important task.
Entities associated with CECA identify with the internationally recognized model of the 3Rs: Retail, Responsible, and Rooted. That is, focused on financing families and businesses; connected to the territory; and with a model of responsible banking. The Social Work is one of the greatest exponents of this model.
Below are the most significant data. For more information, the complete 2013 Social Work report can be consulted on the CECA website (link).
