Citi Foundation marks a decade of support in Lebanon with grants exceeding $500,000

This latest series of grants marks a decade of support exceeding $500,000 for social and economic development programs in Lebanon by Citi. Throughout this period, the bank's efforts have mainly focused on providing scholarships reaching over 200 university level students in addition to extending grants to NGO's investing in youth education programs, microfinance and housing for low-income families.

These partnerships include INJAZ-Lebanon, a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the Association for the Development of Rural Capacities, Habitat for Humanity Lebanon, a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity International and the Young Men's Christian Association among other top NGOs in order to ensure successful execution of target community projects.

"Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is part of our culture at Citi. The work of the Citi Foundation is complemented by various levels of support and involvement by our staff namely in the area of volunteering and board involvement," said Walter Siouffi, Citi's General Manager for Lebanon.

"Our aim is to execute an all-round community development program in Lebanon while assisting deserving and needy students pursuing business degrees, achieve their goal of obtaining post-secondary qualifications. Supporting the next generation through our programs in Lebanon and around the world touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of today's youth and better positions them for a prosperous tomorrow."

Citi's presence in Lebanon dates back to the 1950s. Since re-establishing its fully licensed branch in Beirut in 1994, the bank has evolved into an active corporate citizen, with a particular interest in supporting financial literacy and education

"We look forward to continued expansion of our CSR programs over the next decade and to working in partnership with Lebanon's business community which is experiencing a surge of interest and commitment to CSR-related activities," continued Mr. Siouffi.

Citi has been in the Arab world for nearly 50 years and continues to view the region as critical to its global franchise. It is currently present in 10 Arab countries including Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.