Banco Santander has announced a significant investment of EUR 166 million in community support initiatives during 2024, aiming to assist five million people across the countries where it operates. The bank's efforts focus on education, employability, entrepreneurship, financial education, and aid for vulnerable groups.
The investment aligns with Santander's sustainability strategy and its mission to foster prosperity and sustainable development. The bank allocated EUR 104 million towards higher education, employability training, and entrepreneurship programs. Over nearly three decades, Santander has partnered with more than 1,100 universities and organizations, investing over EUR 2.4 billion in these areas.
Key initiatives include scholarships for university students and researchers to facilitate access to education and completion of studies. Additionally, Santander provides resources for academic institutions' digitalization efforts. Employability is enhanced through training programs offered by the Santander Open Academy, Universia, and Fundación Universia.
Santander X supports small businesses and entrepreneurial projects by helping them develop and scale their operations with non-financial resources.
In addition to educational initiatives, the bank dedicated over EUR 62 million to social action programs focusing on financial education and support for vulnerable communities. These efforts are conducted directly or in collaboration with NGOs and humanitarian organizations in several countries including Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the US.
Financial literacy remains a priority under Santander's strategy to aid vulnerable groups by providing essential tools for understanding personal finance risks.
In response to humanitarian crises during 2024 such as flash floods in Valencia (Spain), forest fires in Valparaíso (Chile), floods in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), and an earthquake in China's Gansu and Qinghai provinces, Santander extended its support to affected communities.