Social responsibility

BANK “ROSSIYA” places priority not only on the efficient development of the banking business, but also on resolving important social issues. Social responsibility for the Bank is not a set of cut-and-dried solutions and rules, but a principle of ethics based on the moral norms and values of the Bank, the understanding of the role of business in the modern society. This principle is reflected not only in the financial aid and support provided by BANK “ROSSIYA” under its charitable programs, but also in its involvement in the community of Saint-Petersburg at large, in preserving the city’s cultural heritage and raising the regional economy’s attractiveness to investors.

Among the Bank’s major social projects those are worth mentioning that are aimed at supporting children and youth.

BANK “ROSSIYA” is a long-term partner of Saint-Petersburg’s Administration in the organization of Scarlet Sails, the city’s celebration of school graduates. The bank has been directly involved in the renewal of this long established tradition dating from the end of the 1960s, but lost in the 1990s.

Since 2005, over two million citizens and guests of the city take part in Scarlet Sails celebrations which is the sign of its importance and significance for the city’s public life. For the Bank, which foundation and development is intimately connected with Saint-Petersburg, the renewal of the Scarlet Sails festival has a special meaning. It is not only the gift to the city, but also the Bank’s contribution to the upbringing of the new generation which guarantees the further development of the region and the country as a whole.

In 2008, BANK “ROSSIYA” under the project “Service to Motherland: Events and Names” by Center of National Glory provided charity support to the memorial program of the outstanding Russian statesman, diplomat and military commander, the governor-general of Eastern Siberia, count N.N. Muravev-Amurskiy.

In 2008, the second year running, BANK “ROSSIYA” provides charity support to Saint-Petersburg Music House “Alekseevsky” Fund. The Bank pays grants to the best young musicians-soloists by the results of the All-Russian contest, founded by “Alekseevsky” Fund. One grant was paid to Miroslav Kultyshev (piano), the winner of numerous international youthful contests. The second grant was paid to Pavel Milukov (violin); he is also the winner of many prestigious international contests.

Along with the grants to young musicians Bank “ROSSIYA” gave awards to the honoured artist of the Russian Federation, professor N. N. Seregina and the honoured artist of the Russian Federation, professor A. M .Sandler, the teachers of Saint-Petersburg Conservatory who have brought up the winners of the international contests. In 2007, BANK “ROSSIYA” supported Saint-Petersburg’s young musicians and initiated a new tradition - it founded grants for young musicians who have already achieved success. This year two excellent young musicians have received this grant. These are Conservatory students Ekaterina Frolova (violin) and Miroslav Kultyshev (piano). In spite of their youth they lead an active concert life, and worthily represent Russia and Saint-Petersburg at the international contests and festivals. The concert of young musicians and grant-giving ceremony took place in M. I. Glinka Small hall of Saint-Petersburg Academic philharmonic on May 21st.

The Bank’s charity policy has a number of areas of focus. Supporting children in need of medical care is among others. In 2006, the Bank allocated funds to G.I. Turner Scientific and Research Children’s Orthopedic Institute. This institute is the only specialized treatment and research organization at the federal level in Russia providing medical help to children and teenagers with congenital and acquired musculoskeletal system disorders. The Institute treats up to 1.500 patients a year.

It is a traditional priority for BANK “ROSSIYA” to support socially important institutes financed from the state budget. In 2006, the Bank allocated funds to a number of scientific and research projects of S.M. Kirov Russian Army Medical Academy, made donations to anti-AIDS charity programs and provided support to the Law Enforcement Support Fund.

Another significant direction of the Bank’s social policy is the supporting of scientific and cultural institutions. In 2006, the bank financed several events of the Russian National Glory Center, a public organization involved in restoring the forgotten pages in glorious Russian history. In 2007, BANK “ROSSIYA” gave financial support to Balaam Male Monastery of Savior and Transfiguration. It is one of the most esteemed monasteries in Russia which was founded in the 14 century and is widely regarded a pearl of temple architecture in the Northwest.