APS Bank plc on Monday announced it is issuing an open call for funding applications for projects that can be supported through its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme.

Through the initiative, the bank seeks to “actively collaborate and co-create” with clients, in order to support them in the realisation of their vision and thus “make a tangible positive impact” on the community.

APS Bank CSR Manager Jeremy Vassallo

CSR Manager Jeremy Vassallo explained that this step was considered “necessary” given the “ever-growing sponsorship requests” competing for a share of the bank’s increased CSR budget.

Applications and project have to align to APS Bank’s three CSR pillars. These are arts, which includes heritage and culture, education, including sport and wellbeing, as well as sustainability, such as community.

Chief Strategy Officer Liana DeBattista said: “We decided to open up the call for funding applications to make sure that it reaches the widest spectrum of public possible, mindful that many good projects may remain hidden without such encouragement.”

APS Bank Chief Strategy Officer Liana DeBattista

She added that this is APS Bank’s way of “inspiring people with ideas to come forward” and to help “make a positive difference in the community” through impactful projects and events for 2024.

Applicants need to complete the bank’s CSR Funding Request Form which is available on the bank’s website by 15th October 2023. This will be followed by an assessment of the submitted proposals by an evaluation panel, with the bank set to communicate decisions to applicants by 30th November 2023.