The Spanish Banking Association (AEB) Foundation has today presented the ‘Alcanza Awards’ to highlight the banking sector’s commitment to financial education and digital literacy. It thus recognizes projects that provide society with tools to manage their finances and address economic and social challenges, with a special emphasis on groups requiring greater support.
The non-profit organizations Nantik Lum, Nuevo Futuro, and Grandes Amigos are the three winners of this first edition in the categories of inclusion and people with disabilities; youth and children; and seniors, respectively, each receiving a prize of 10,000 euros.
Alejandra Kindelán, President of the Spanish Banking Association and the AEB Foundation, emphasized that the banking sector is “intrinsically social” due to its core activity of providing credit to support personal and business projects, thereby boosting the economy and social progress. This is complemented by its strong social commitment, demonstrated by its support for society during difficult times such as the pandemic or Storm DANA.
Furthermore, she detailed that banks and their foundations dedicated 1.864 billion euros to promoting social projects in 2024: initiatives in financial education, digital literacy, inclusion, fostering innovation, promoting art and culture, development cooperation, knowledge dissemination, talent promotion, and environmental, biomedical, or health-related research.
Alejandra Kindelán highlighted the positive impact on society of the ‘Alcanza Awards’ winning projects due to their innovation, their commitment to inclusion, and the development of key skills in the digital age. In this regard, she underscored the close collaboration between the banking sector and the third sector to develop transformative projects capable of improving people’s lives.
A jury composed of renowned professionals evaluated nearly 40 initiatives submitted to the three categories of the call from different autonomous communities.
INCLUSION AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CATEGORY
Winner: Nantik Lum. ‘Create financial health. Economic autonomy for women in vulnerable situations’
“We are very proud of the impact of Crea. Since 2023, with the support of ING, we have accompanied more than 300 women; and 48% feel more prepared and confident to improve their financial situation. We want to continue strengthening this alliance to reach more and more women,” explains Juan Riva, President of Nantik Lum.
In this category, the finalists were Asociación Achalay – Liceo Diploma. Financing my autonomy; and Fundación Capacis – Digit@les: breaking the gap.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH CATEGORY
Winner: Nuevo Futuro. ‘Clear Accounts for Young Adults Leaving Care’
Miriam Poole, General Director of the Nuevo Futuro Association, states that “this recognition is a great boost to continue working with greater strength for the autonomy of young adults leaving care. The program not only helps them improve their financial education but also strengthens their personal skills and self-esteem, fundamental pillars for them to build a dignified and free future.”
In this category, the finalists were Codespa – Managing my money; and Fundación UCEIF – Finance for Mortals: Junior Edition.
SENIORS CATEGORY
Winner: Grandes Amigos. ‘Digital Km 0’, new technologies against unwanted loneliness
“At the Grandes Amigos Foundation, we will be able to improve the lives of many seniors suffering from loneliness: we will help them forge new friendships in person through volunteering and neighborhood networks. But we will also teach them to use the internet safely, which is key to socializing, participating, and gaining autonomy and independence,” states Mercedes Villegas, Director of the Grandes Amigos Foundation, in gratitude for “this valuable award.”
In this category, the finalists were Fundación Harena – COUNT On You: Easy Digital Banking and Secure Life; and Fundación Microfinanzas BBVA – Financial and Digital Inclusion for Senior Entrepreneurs.
The AEB Foundation is a private, non-profit institution established in 2008 to disseminate education, training, and research on matters directly related to the financial system and the regulation of banking activity. It carries out various initiatives to promote financial education and familiarize society with useful concepts for managing their money and personal finances.
