CECA Rewards the Best Initiatives in Social Work and Financial Education for 2024
Twenty-two initiatives have been recognized for their outstanding contribution to social development and the improvement of financial literacy in society.
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, opened the CECA Social Welfare and Financial Education Awards.
In this edition, the honorary award for international social impact was granted to the Bancatlan Cultural Fund Foundation of Honduras.
CECA member institutions have invested more than €7.8 billion in social projects over the last ten years, the largest private social investment in Spain.
The CECA association, chaired by Isidro Fainé and comprised of CaixaBank, Kutxabank, Cajasur Banco, ABANCA, Unicaja, Ibercaja Banco, Caixa Ontinyent, Colonya Pollença, and Cecabank, as well as more than thirty foundations, today presented the winning initiatives at the 2024 CECA Social Welfare and Financial Education Awards, held at the Real Casino de Madrid with the presence of Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business. and Business.
The event recognizes and promotes projects that stand out for their commitment to society and the improvement of financial literacy. With a total of 62 entries, 22 awards were presented in ten categories, along with two special prizes. The jury members included renowned experts from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, the National Securities Market Commission, the Lealtad Foundation, the National Cancer Research Centre, Funcas, and El Confidencial.
According to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo: “It is essential to continue promoting financial education because it is a fundamental tool for citizens, especially young people, to make sound decisions; it allows us to cultivate talent and foster entrepreneurship; it provides greater economic knowledge and improves financial inclusion.”
For his part, CECA’s CEO, José María Méndez, emphasized: “Building responsible banking is more than a financial commitment; it’s a mission aimed at transforming lives and fostering a more inclusive society where everyone has access to fair and dignified economic opportunities.” He added: “At CECA, we have more than enough reason to proclaim that we are more than just financial institutions; through our actions, we drive social change and facilitate human progress, doing everything in our power to help the most disadvantaged groups.”
In the area of Social Welfare, the award categories were: Social Action, Culture and Heritage, Sports and Leisure, Local Development and Job Creation, Education and Research, and the Environment. Regarding Financial Education, the established categories were: Children and Young People (0-25 years), Adults (26-65 years), Seniors (over 65), and Entrepreneurs. A special jury prize was also awarded in each area.
Award-Winning Initiatives
Social Work Category
Social Action
1st. “la Caixa” Foundation. “Always Accompanied” Program for Addressing Loneliness
2nd. Caja Navarra Foundation. “Preview Health,” an app transforming healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities
Culture and Heritage
1st. FUNDOS. Restoration of the façades and exterior elements of Casa Botines
2nd. Círculo de Burgos Foundation. 30 Years in the Burgos Cathedral Archives Exhibition
Sports and Leisure
1st. CajaCanarias Foundation. Relay Project
2nd. Caja Rioja Foundation. 50th Caja Rioja Foundation Pelota Tournament
Local Development and Job Creation
1st. Ibercaja Foundation. Ibercaja Foundation Youth Space
2nd. Unicaja Foundation. FEM CODERS MÁLAGA. Fullstack Web Development Bootcamp to benefit the Arrabal-AID Association
Education and Research
1st. Ibercaja Foundation. Educating for the Future Awards
2nd. Vital Fundazioa Foundation. HIBRIDALAB, Center for Open Innovation and Creative Transfer of Álava
Environment
1st. Afundación, ABANCA Social Project. Education for Sustainability
2nd. Ibercaja Foundation. Mobility City
Special Jury Prize for Social Project
“la Caixa” Foundation. Grants for research into rare pediatric diseases with Sant Joan de Déu Hospital
Financial Education Category
Children and Young People (0-25 years)
1st. ABANCA. Put Your Money Safe
2nd. Kutxabank. Finances for Life
Adults (26-65 years)
1st. CaixaBank. Positive Balance Financial Education Program
2nd Place: Unicaja and Unicaja Foundation (Edufinet). Short Financial Education Videos
Seniors (65+)
1st Place: Unicaja and Unicaja Foundation (Edufinet). Workshops for Seniors and the Ambassadors Project
2nd Place: Cajasol Foundation. Applied Finance
Entrepreneurs
1st Place: Caja Extremadura Foundation. Corola, the network of social organizations in Extremadura
2nd Place: Cajasol Foundation. Finance for Entrepreneurs
Special Jury Prize in Financial Education
Unicaja and
