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For the past 25 years, the HSBC Malta Foundation has stood as a pivotal force in advancing sustainable development and societal well-being across Malta. As the philanthropic arm of HSBC Bank Malta, the Foundation has committed itself to nurturing the potential of both individuals and communities. Its mission is clear: to create a sustainable future through strategic initiatives in education, environmental stewardship, and societal health. This mission reflects a commitment to generating lasting, positive change rather than providing mere temporary relief.

From its inception, the HSBC Malta Foundation has been on a transformative journey, evolving to meet the changing needs of Malta and its people. Founded with the goal of effecting meaningful change, the Foundation initially focused its efforts on direct charitable activities. By emphasising values such as uplifting disadvantaged youth, preserving Malta’s heritage, and promoting environmental stewardship, the Foundation has made—and continues to make—substantial contributions to the nation’s progress

Over time, recognising the broader challenges and opportunities within society, its mission has expanded to embrace entrepreneurship, future skills, and environmental stewardship. This growth reflects a deep recognition of the interconnectedness of societal well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental health.

Central to the Foundation’s approach is the integration of philanthropy with Corporate Social Responsibility. By aligning its initiatives with HSBC’s core business strategies, the Foundation not only addresses immediate community needs but also contributes to long-term societal development. This strategic blend has established the HSBC Malta Foundation as a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility, exemplifying how businesses can effectively contribute to sustainable development.

In the Foundation’s journey over the years, we find a story not just of projects and initiatives but of a deep- rooted commitment to Malta’s prosperity and well-being.

Empowering tomorrow's leaders

The Foundation’s commitment to education and the well-being of children is vividly illustrated through its dynamic partnerships and innovative programs. Among these, the collaboration with The King’s Trust International stands as a cornerstone of the HSBC Malta Foundation’s efforts to re-engage and inspire young people across Malta and Gozo. Launched in November 2015, in partnership with the Ministry for Education and Employment, the King’s Trust International Achieve programme has marked a significant stride towards informal personal development for students aged 13-19. Initially introduced in seven schools, the programme’s success, backed by unwavering support from both the Ministry and the HSBC Malta Foundation, has seen its expansion to 60 schools and centres, touching the lives of countless youths with its curriculum which was designed to foster personal and employability skills, confidence, and a positive attitude towards learning.

The Achieve programme, with its roots in the United Kingdom under the auspices of The King’s Trust, a charity initiated by HRH The Prince of Wales, now HRH King Charles III, emphasises flexibility and student empowerment. This approach has enabled students to gain invaluable skills such as effective communication, decision- making, teamwork, and public speaking, crucially enhancing their confidence and community involvement. The programme’s impact was further acknowledged during visits to Malta by HRH The Prince of Wales, both at its international launch in 2015 and in a subsequent visit in 2017, highlighting the profound connection between the royal charity and the Maltese educational initiative.

Running parallel to these efforts is the Foundation’s robust support for the JA Malta Foundation, a partnership that dates back to 1990. This relationship was underscored in 2022 by a significant $350,000 grant from HSBC’s global ‘Future Skills Impact Fund.’ This investment aimed to embed entrepreneurship and financial literacy within the community, empowering students and the general public with essential skills to enhance their lives. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that supports key decisions throughout a person’s life stages. HSBC’s remarkable contribution to JA Malta Foundation was recognized in 2018 with the John Haper Award, marking the first time this award was presented to a corporate supporter.

Targeting diverse groups including school children, the elderly, and the unemployed, these sessions were meticulously designed to address the unique needs of each demographic, focusing on essential topics such as financial management and literacy. This strategic collaboration not only amplified the reach of the HSBC Malta Foundation’s educational initiatives but also fostered a culture of lifelong learning and financial acumen across the Maltese islands.

Through these partnerships, the HSBC Malta Foundation continues to lay the groundwork for a future where every young person in Malta has access to the tools and skills, to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex world.

A greener, more sustainable Malta

In the realm of environmental stewardship, the HSBC Malta Foundation’s initiatives have blossomed into impactful programs, underscoring its commitment to the long-term preservation and sustainability of Malta’s natural resources. Over the past 25 years, the Foundation’s dedication has been rooted in a deep understanding of the delicate balance between human progress and environmental conservation. Among the many initiatives undertaken is the planning of thousands of trees across Malta and Gozo - a reforestation effort that has not only revitalised the Islands’ green spaces, but which has also served as a critical step towards combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

Central to the Foundation’s environmental endeavours was the HSBC Water Programme, which, since its inception in 2013, has seen an investment of more than €1 million in water conservation projects. Drawing from the HSBC Group’s global initiative, the programme focused on water conservation, reduction and harvesting , and education through partnerships with esteemed NGOs like World Wide Fund (WWF) WaterAid, and Earthwatch. The Catch the Drop campaign, the most extensive national environmental and educational campaign of its kind in Malta, epitomised the programme’s reach. By engaging students, educators, local councils, and international forums, the campaign has fostered a blueprint for water sustainability, celebrated through various milestones including international accolades and the creation of water conservation-themed songs that resonated globally.

Complementing these water conservation efforts is the Freshwater Crab project, supported by HSBC Malta Foundation with a €40,000 investment. This project, spearheaded by Nature Trust – FEE Malta, focuses on the study and preservation of the endemic freshwater crab, or Qabru. Faced with declining populations, the initiative aims to understand and protect this species’ breeding habits and natural habitats, embodying the Foundation’s commitment to safeguarding Malta’s unique biodiversity.

The HSBC Malta Foundation has over the years also been a major contributor to afforestation efforts in Malta, spearheading the planting of thousands of trees and shrubs across the islands. A notable initiative in this area was the 2006 planting of 15,000 trees at Xrobb l-Għaġin park through the HSBC Cares for The Environment Fund, which was followed by an additional tree planting of 2000 trees and shrubs in 2024 at the same park.

These environmental initiatives illustrate the ‘HSBC Malta Foundations’ desire to not only address immediate ecological challenges but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable legacy, ensuring that Malta’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Empowering community through voluntary action

The HSBC Malta Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of voluntary work is at the core of its mission, driving a wide array of initiatives that not only support Malta’s communities but also enrich the lives of its participants. Central to this belief is the foundation’s support for initiatives like the Volunteer Leave Day and Corporate Sustainability Responsibility (CSR) Day which this year marked its 20th edition, programs that underscore the Foundation’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and engagement among its employees and within the broader Maltese community. Central to these initiatives is a spirit of volunteerism, actively promoted by the Foundation through encouraging HSBC employees to participate in community projects. The voluntary leave day initiative embodies this ethos, turning individual acts of generosity into a collective force for good that resonates with the Foundation’s core mission. Volunteer Leave Day is a vivid demonstration of the Foundation’s commitment to community service, enabling HSBC employees to dedicate a day to volunteer in various roles. Whether assisting at the Soup Kitchen in Valletta, supporting environmental NGOs, or working with Heritage Malta, this initiative engaged 400 employees in 2023 alone. Each participant contributed their time and skills to make a significant difference in their communities.

CSR Day expands on this spirit of volunteerism, bringing together companies, schools and government agencies across Malta’s economy for a series of charitable and volunteering activities over a period of time. Initially conceived as a single day of community service, the CSR Day has grown in scope and impact and is now held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta, who has commended the bank for its dedication to the common good. This initiative not only highlights the Foundation’s leadership in corporate social responsibility but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose among participants. In addition to these organised events, the foundation also champions ongoing support for Malta’s less fortunate through a monthly distribution of clothes and other essential items at the Soup Kitchen in Valletta. All items, collected and sorted by the HSBC employees, are given away at no cost, providing vital assistance to those in need. This monthly clothes distribution, along with various bazaar’s in support of different NGOs and causes along the year, exemplifies the Foundation’s approach to hands-on assistance and community engagement. While the HSBC Malta Foundation’s efforts in volunteerism and community support are prominent, its steadfast commitment to preserving Malta’s heritage and healthcare also shines through. The preservation efforts for historical landmarks like the Notarial Archives and Our Lady of Victories Church, combined with significant support for health and medical research, demonstrate a broad-based approach to societal well-being. At the Notarial Archives in Valletta, thanks to the HSBC Malta Foundation, hundreds of years of historical records are revealing new insights into life in Malta over the past 600 years. Restorers are meticulously piecing together fascinating day-to-day accounts from the island and its surroundings, page by page and fragment by fragment. With records extending along approximately two kilometres of shelving, it is estimated that over a hundred years of restoration work remains. A donation of €100,000 from the Foundation has kick-started the conservation of these invaluable historical documents.

HSBC Malta staff have been actively volunteering at the Notarial Archives on St Christopher Street, Valletta, supporting the paper conservators. In 2014 alone, more than 150 persons volunteered, following another 100 in 2013. An ongoing Archives’ Digitisation Project, bolstered by the support from HSBC Malta employees, is ensuring the long-term preservation of these documents while significantly enhancing public access to a treasure trove of notarial information. For the Our Lady of Victories Church, the HSBC Malta Foundation has generously contributed €400,000 over the years to Din l-Art Ħelwa. This funding supported the restoration of the church’s vaulted ceiling, a masterpiece by Alessio Erardi, and the installation of specialized lighting to highlight the details of Erardi’s work. As the oldest building in Valletta, this significant investment concluded the conservation of Erardi’s ‘Scenes from the Life of the Virgin’ in 2016, marking the 450th anniversary of the laying of Valletta’s foundation stone. Furthermore, the Foundation’s investment in cancer research and mental health initiatives continues to enhance the quality of life for all Maltese residents, balancing its commitment to Malta’s cultural legacy with vital healthcare support.

The power of collaboration

Strategic partnerships expand the HSBC Malta Foundation’s reach and impact, creating a broad network of collaboration across sectors and industries. In 2023, the Foundation engaged with 156 entities, including 92 NGOs, 8 Local Councils, and 60 schools. These alliances—from local businesses to non-profits—enhance the Foundation’s efforts in areas such as future skills programmes and financial literacy, equipping Malta’s workforce for tomorrow with skills that are both enduring and adaptable.

The core pillars of the HSBC Malta Foundation are designed to enhance the quality of life in areas such as child welfare, the environment, future skills, sustainable finance, and historical heritage. Currently, the Foundation is supporting several key initiatives:

The Foundation has committed €135,000 over three years to the Human Capital Research Project and €120,000 over the same period for the ‘Maximising Energy Efficiency through Building Renovation: HSBC Case Study’ research project. The King’s Trust International Achieve Programme, which we have been supporting for the last nine years, will receive €121,000 over the next three years. We have pledged €150,000 over the next three years to the JA Malta Foundation Young Enterprise Programmes, an initiative we’ve supported since 1990. Another €160,000 over the next three years will support the Nature Based Solutions Project for a study at San Ġorġ Preca College in Ħamrun. We are also investing €150,000 over three years towards the Sustainable Freight and Logistics project and another €150,000 over three years for the Restoration of Paintings at the Jesuits Church, aimed at restoring its main artworks.

This narrative of progress and commitment underscores a continuous path forward, with each initiative building on the previous ones, propelling the Foundation towards its future goals. Each step reinforces its legacy of positive change, ensuring that its impact resonates into the future. By intertwining its initiatives with Malta’s unique societal fabric, the HSBC Malta Foundation addresses today’s immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. This journey reflects the Foundation’s enduring commitment to Malta—a commitment that continues to evolve, adapt, and thrive alongside the community it serves. As the Foundation looks to the future, it is increasingly focused on combating climate change, advancing sustainable finance, and enhancing societal resilience, highlighting its proactive approach to meeting both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.