Banesco USA awards $18.5K to nonprofits for training, growth
Banesco USA has awarded $18,500 to five nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico as part of its effort to support education, economic development, workforce training and health programs on the island.
The bank said the grants align with its mission to strengthen community capacity, develop talent and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
The largest share of the funding — a $9,000 grant — went to Team 1144 at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. It is the second consecutive year the group has received support.
The money will fund five $1,800 scholarships for students in the Project Management Student Association to participate in an intensive professional development program based on internationally recognized methodologies adapted to Puerto Rico’s project landscape.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative that will help develop project managers and leaders who will ensure the success and transformation of our island,” said Maritza Abadía, president of Banesco USA in Puerto Rico.
She said Puerto Rico is at “a crucial juncture, with more than $120 billion in public and private projects,” making leadership development essential.
Scholarship recipients may earn up to five credentials in project management, program management and change management, culminating in the Certified Project Leadership Professional designation issued jointly by EDUCON-ADEM and Team 1144.
Jesús E. “Nesty” Delgado, dean of the College of Business Administration at UPR-Mayagüez, said the grant directly supports the college’s mission.
“We’re passionate about helping professionals and entrepreneurs become impactful leaders who transform their teams and contribute to take their organizations to the next level,” he said.
Additional grants went to Asesores Financieros Comunitarios to offer technical assistance and organizational assessments to nonprofits; Incubadora Bieke’s Sol Taíno Food Truck Park to support youth entrepreneurship training; Plenitud Puerto Rico for agroecological education and farmer network programs; and Iniciativa Comunitaria for preventive care services for at-risk adults and the homeless.
