Change a Life

Ideas for people and planetTM

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Life-changing impact starts with ordinary ideas and extraordinary people who see a need in their community and decide to do something about it.

Through RBC’s Purpose Framework, we’ve highlighted our commitment to supporting the transition to a netzero economy, equipping people with the skills for a thriving future, and driving more equitable opportunities for prosperity.

Our nonprofit partners and their big ideas play a critical role in helping move our purpose forward. Listen to their stories to find out what it takes to turn inspiration into transformation, and learn how RBC Foundation and RBC Foundation USA are making an impact.

 
Supporting the transition to a net-zero economy

Environmental Protection

Supporting the transition to a net-zero economy

“The biggest impact we have is not just introducing students to future careers in STEM, but it really is opening their eyes to this natural world that exists right outside.”

Learn how the Billion Oyster Project is helping restore the New York Harbor and giving young people a chance to build skills and explore meaningful careers.

14 min listen
 
Equipping people with skills for a thriving future

Empowering Youth

Equipping people with skills for a thriving future

“It’s not only how can we prevent homelessness, but how can we make young people’s experience of homelessness as brief as possible and set them up on a path to success.”

Listen to the legacy of Mrs. Eva Smith, her selfless passion to address youth homelessness, and how her vision has led Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth to transform the lives of thousands of young people in Toronto.

18 min listen
 
Creating equitable opportunities for prosperity

Resilient Communities

Creating equitable opportunities for prosperity

“It's those game-changing ideas born from people on the front lines that inspire us to lean in with funding, volunteering, and innovative ways to scale solutions.”

Hear about the life-changing ideas that inspired the teams from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families.

16 min listen

Explore the complete Change a Life series

From mentoring to mental health support, our partners are helping more youth access the support they need to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. Use the filter to explore our ongoing Change a Life series by topic or theme.

Mentorship

Mentoring the Next Generation of Writers and Leaders

Using the power of writing and mentorship, Girls Write Now helps underserved female and gender-expansive youth achieve emotional, academic, and professional success.

2 min watch

Mentorship

Helping Gold Star Children Achieve College Success

For military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation ensures they have the necessary funding and support to graduate from college debt-free.

2 min watch

Skills & Resources

Connecting Kids to Career Possibilities

Through its after-school development programs, All Stars Project gives marginalized inner-city youth a path to envision new possibilities for themselves and achieve academic and career success. 

2 min watch

Mental Wellbeing

Caring for the Caregivers

Ronald McDonald House New York helps caregivers of sick children manage stress and prioritize self-care, so they can provide strong support for their families.

2 min watch

Mental Wellbeing

Emotional Health is Key

Access to free mental health resources is helping TEAK Fellowship students feel emotionally healthy and ready to learn.

2 min watch

Mental Wellbeing

Accessible Mental Health Care

The Jed Foundation works with schools and colleges across the U.S. to develop and provide equal access to mental health support for young people.

2 min watch

Innovating Pediatric Cancer

MSK Kids is Here to Help

With groundbreaking research and pioneering treatments, MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering is changing the way we fight childhood cancer.

2 min watch

Innovating Pediatric Cancer

Pioneers in Immunotherapy

With groundbreaking research and pioneering treatments, MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering is changing the way we fight childhood cancer.

2 min watch

Innovating Pediatric Cancer

A Home for Hope

With groundbreaking research and pioneering treatments, MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering is changing the way we fight childhood cancer.

2 min watch

Pediatrics

Stepping Up to Support MSK Kids

From RBC Race for the Kids New York to Cycle for Survival, our commitment to raising funds to fight childhood cancer is stronger than ever.

2 min watch

Pediatrics

Fighting Cancer with Cookies

Research funded by Cookies for Kids' Cancer has resulted in more than 25 new treatments for pediatric cancer.

3 min watch

Pediatrics

Normalcy for a Night

Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ronald McDonald House Chapters kept the doors open to support families during their most challenging times.

3 min watch

Disaster Relief

Tomorrow is Going to Be Good

At their times of greatest need, the American Red Cross is there to care for and support children and their families.

3 min watch

Mental Wellbeing

Turning Struggles into Graduation Gowns

A unique school-based program at the Jersey City Medical Center is supporting local students succeed emotionally and academically.

2 min watch

Mentorship

Mentoring for College Success

iMentor matches high school students with college-educated mentors to help guide them on their college journey.

2 min watch

Skills and Resources

Nurturing the Next Generation

Boys & Girls Clubs around the world are nurturing grade school students to become compassionate, responsible, and productive adults.

2 min watch

Skills and Resources

Empowering Youth Through Rugby

Play Rugby USA uses the power of rugby to empower and inspire young people, primarily from underserved communities, to go forward and reach their true potential.

3 min watch

Skills and Resources

A Culture of Care

School in the Square is a charter middle school that goes beyond academics to give students the care and support they need to succeed.

3 min watch

Skills and Resources

The Power of Performance

Harnessing the life-changing potential of performance, the All Stars Project gives inner-city youth a chance to overcome their challenges

3 min watch

Skills and Resources

Scholarships for Gold Star Children

For Gold Star military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, Children of Fallen Patriots comes through with resources to help them achieve college success.

2 min watch

Skills and Resources

Unlocking Youth Potential

The TEAK Fellowship assists gifted students from low-income backgrounds to excel academically and fulfill their potential.

2 min watch

Skills and Resources

Community-Powered Literacy

In New York’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, Literacy Inc. is stepping up to ensure children know the power of reading and can unlock brighter futures.

2 min watch

Skills and Resources

Teaching Success On and Off the Field

With its transformative afterschool programming, Play Rugby USA is teaching young people key life skills to help them succeed on the field and in the classroom. 

2 min watch

Pediatrics

Letting Kids be Kids

The journey through Memorial Sloan Kettering offers comfort and new hope to families battling rare cancers.

2 min watch

Pediatrics

A Community of Care

Ronald McDonald House New York is a community of volunteers and families who provide care, love, and support for kids fighting cancer.

2 min watch

Creating brighter futures for youth

The RBC Foundation USA is committed to creating equitable access to the skills and support needed for young people to successfully meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Learn About Our Vision

Discover more inspiring stories

Through long-term partnerships and innovative programs, we’re committed to helping the next generation thrive.
Discover the causes and issues we support and the impact we’re making together.

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Get the latest updates on the RBC Foundation USA.