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.

Our nonprofit partners play a critical role in moving RBC's purpose forward to support the transition to a net-zero economy, equip people with skills for a thriving future and drive equitable opportunities for prosperity.

Listen to their stories to find out what it takes to turn inspiration into transformation and learn how our foundation is making an impact.

Learn more about our Purpose Framework

Featured episodes

Turning the tide on protecting our oceans

Environmental Protection

Turning the tide on protecting our oceans

“Our mission is to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Right now, just 8% is meaningfully protected. We must act faster to restore ocean life.”

When the ocean is properly protected life bounces back. Discover how Blue Marine is taking action to protect both the Earth's largest carbon store and greatest regulator of our climate.

13 min listen
Empowering higher education achievement

Empowering Youth

Empowering higher education achievement

"For over 30, SLN has worked with 80+ schools, impacting 80,000 students. We've closed the enrollment gap between high-poverty and wealthier schools."

Learn about the origins and ambitions of Student Leadership Network, a critical organization that helps young people in diverse underserved communities gain access to higher education and achieve their dreams.

17 min listen
Providing a safe place for women

Resilient Communities

Providing a safe place for women

“Lou's Place is more than a service, it's a community. It's a space where women, many of whom have been let down or left behind by traditional systems, can finally exhale."

Listen to the powerful stories of women surviving and thriving thanks to the support of Lou's Place, a refuge that provides a safe space for women through holistic care in a non-judgmental community.

16 min listen
Feeding hope and fighting waste

Resilient Communities

Feeding hope and fighting waste

“Second Harvest's mission is simple: keep food where it belongs - on plates and out of landfills - fighting hunger and climate change at the same time."

Every year, Canadians throw away enough good food to feed over 17 million people. Learn about how Second Harvest is intervening to help alleviate food insecurity, stop food waste, and reduce the harmful effects of waste on our climate.

16 min listen

Explore the complete Change a Life series

From mentoring to mental health resources, RBC Foundation USA’s nonprofit partners are helping more youth access the support they need to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives.

Environmental Protection

Supporting the transition to a net-zero economy

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

Empowering Youth

Equipping people with skills for a thriving future

Listen to the legacy of Mrs. Eva Smith, and how her vision has transformed the lives of thousands of young people in Toronto.

18 min listen

Resilient Communities

Creating equitable opportunities for prosperity

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

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

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

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

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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