Where profit meets purpose – Bank of Georgia’s CSR in action

As the private sector takes on a greater role in shaping social outcomes, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a trend into a core expectation. In Georgia, Bank of Georgia (BOG) is embracing this shift with a comprehensive CSR strategy focused on education, regional development, and youth empowerment.

“Social responsibility has long been a key priority for the Bank of Georgia,” says Ana Lomtadze, Head of the Bank’s CSR Department. “Over the years, we’ve consistently supported initiatives in education, employment, environmental protection, regional growth, and youth empowerment. In recent years, these efforts have become more structured and large-scale.”

Today, BOG implements a wide range of CSR programs that promote education, expand employment opportunities, empower women, support sports and culture, and drive environmental action. A full list of these initiatives can be found on their dedicated platform: csr.bog.ge.

Education at the core

Education lies at the heart of BOG’s CSR agenda. One of its flagship initiatives is the Bank of Georgia Scholarship, which provides students with full or partial tuition funding from their very first year. Developed in collaboration with 22 partner universities, the program currently supports more than 300 students and receives approximately 5,000 applications each year.

Another standout initiative is Ideateka—multifunctional educational spaces set up in 25 public schools across 11 regions of Georgia, now serving more than 18,000 students. Launched in 2019, Ideateka gives young people access to both formal and non-formal learning resources in modern, inspiring environments.

“Schools often approach us with requests to open similar spaces, which is a clear indication that our projects resonate with the community,” adds Lomtadze.

Promoting tech education through STEM

The bank also places a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through two major initiatives: the STEM Olympiad and STEM School. Both aim to spark interest in tech-related careers and broaden access to high-quality education.

The STEM Olympiad takes the form of a team-based school competition focused on physics and mathematics, culminating in hands-on engineering challenges. Meanwhile, STEM School, developed in partnership with the Komarov School, is geared toward students in grades 7–11 and offers advanced, technology-driven instruction.

Crucially, these initiatives are not limited to Tbilisi. “Creating equal opportunities across the country is a core part of our mission,” Lomtadze emphasizes. “Whether it’s business development, employment, or access to quality education—at home or abroad—we want every region to benefit, not just the capital or larger cities.”

Building financial literacy

For BOG, expanding access to education also includes promoting financial literacy—a cornerstone of sustainable development. The bank believes that equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions can yield benefits for the entire country.

“The financial sector has both the opportunity and responsibility to serve as a pillar of national development,” says Lomtadze. “Financial education influences not just individual outcomes, but also the sustainable progress of the nation. That’s why we’ve made this a central focus of our CSR work.”

As Georgia continues to navigate its development path, the role of the private sector is becoming more pronounced. Bank of Georgia’s multifaceted CSR efforts—particularly in education and regional outreach—demonstrate how financial institutions can contribute meaningfully to broader societal goals.

While it may take time to measure the full impact of these initiatives, one thing is clear: aligning profit with purpose is no longer optional. It’s the new standard—and BOG is helping to lead the way.