CAYMAN ISLANDS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
2023 REPORT
We are pleased to present our Cayman Islands 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Report. Our purpose is to make an impact that matters for our clients, our people, our community and our environment. This report details the contributions we are making across each of these areas.
The Maples Group is committed to being an active member of the Cayman Islands community.
Our fourth annual Cayman Islands Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) Report spotlights our CSR activities and charitable donations in the Cayman Islands community. Our objective is to help shine a light on the impactful endeavours of various charities and organisations within the Cayman Islands. By documenting our support of these initiatives and activities, we aim to illustrate – and inspire - the multitude of ways we contribute to the community as well as promote the educational and career advancement opportunities we provide to Caymanians.
As a passionate corporate citizen, we are committed to supporting and developing the local community. We believe that through strong values, altruism and compassion, we can make a difference and encourage others to do the same.
Through our long-standing sponsorship programmes, funding and volunteer initiatives, we support local causes and organisations that focus on the development, improvement and benefit of the following six pillars:
• Arts & Culture
• Community Outreach
• Environment
• Healthcare
• Sports
• Youth & Education
Read on to find out more about the initiatives we undertake, the ways we collaborate and interact with our local community, and the meaningful impact we hope to achieve.
Cayman Islands CSR Committee Members
Jonathan Green Global Managing Partner
Matthew Gardner Cayman Islands Managing Partner
Christina Bodden Partner
Scott Somerville Chief Executive Officer
Laura Chisholm Senior Vice President
TOTAL
LIFETIME INVESTMENT IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
COMMUNITY: US$18.2M+
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
NUMBER OF ARTICLED CLERKS THAT COMPLETED THE PROGRAMME 6
INFLUENCING THE NEXT GENERATION
As one of the largest employers in the Cayman Islands, and the largest in financial services, we create a work environment where current and future team members can learn, thrive and excel. With a 67% Caymanian workforce, we are committed to investing in the next generation through our internships and educational assistance programmes, cultivating exciting and rewarding careers.
Our scholarship, articles of clerkship and internship programmes attract the most outstanding and driven students.
Articles of Clerkship
Our articles of clerkship programme provides graduates the opportunity to train and qualify as an attorney-at-law in the Cayman Islands without having to train in the UK or elsewhere.
In 2023, a record number of six articled clerks were admitted as attorneys-at-law: Anastassia Webster, Annika Brown, Alexandra Jennings, Christiana McMurdo, Martynna Berry and April Ebanks. Since the programme launched in 2005, we have supported over 50 Caymanians to qualify as attorneys-at-law and we are proud of their achievements.
Secondments
As a global organisation, we are pleased to offer our team members the unique opportunity to share knowledge and experience by working alongside industry leaders across multiple jurisdictions. In addition to increasing employees’ professional network and fulfilling their career goals, secondments encourage the development of a global mind-set, returning with enhanced skills to support their career progression. With more than 25 placements to date, our lawyer secondment programme is offered at all levels and is one of the many benefits of working for a truly international organisation that is committed to investing in the training and development of its people.
Internships
Each year, we invite applications from young Caymanians who are in their final years of secondary education or beginning their tertiary education to work during the summer months within our various practice groups and business teams.
Since 2008, we have welcomed over 450 Caymanian students as part of our internship programme, allowing them to sharpen their skills and cement their interest in any of the fields we support, including law, fiduciary services, fund administration, accounting, marketing, compliance, information technology, office administration, human resources and information services.
Scholarships
Since 1994, we have offered legal and non-legal scholarships to outstanding Caymanian students to help offset the cost of tuition, accommodation and study materials. We are delighted to have awarded more than 135 scholarships to date totalling just over US$7 million.
For the 2023 academic year, we were pleased to grant three new legal scholarships and three new non-legal scholarships bringing the total funds provided across all scholarships for the year to US$315K.
The Singapore and Hong Kong teams have warmly welcomed me to Asia and I look forward to enhancing my legal skills, working alongside industry leaders in different jurisdictions and experiencing new cultures. I am confident that I will return to the Cayman Islands a more proficient and wellrounded lawyer.
I received unwavering support, guidance and resources throughout my legal studies and Articles of Clerkship empowering me to achieve my goals. The Maples Group’s commitment to my success and growth is evident and continues to be a defining factor in helping me unlock my full potential throughout my legal career.
ARTS & CULTURE
The arts are a vital outlet for expression, inspiration and growth in the Cayman Islands and our culture’s rich, creative tapestry of heritage is undoubtedly the soul of our community. However, the arts rely on constant community support to thrive. We are committed to the preservation of cultural practices and supporting the work of local artists in the Cayman Islands, ensuring that current and future generations have artefacts representative of their cultural identity to enjoy and learn from for many years to come.
We seek out sponsorship opportunities in this area that:
• Promote the positive development and preservation of culture in the Cayman Islands
• Bring together community members in a positive way
• Support and share talents of diverse groups
• Enrich the development of individual artists
• Provide the public with a greater appreciation of different cultural perspectives around them
Cayman National Cultural Foundation
Last year, we were pleased to continue our support of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (“CNCF”) and their efforts to promote and protect arts and culture in the Cayman Islands. Our latest donation supplemented the CNCF’s school resources initiative, which is being expanded due to demand.
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ (“NGCI”) outreach programmes seek to engage with our diverse community, including those alienated from mainstream social experiences, education and employment.
For the second consecutive year, we were proud to be the title sponsor for NGCI’s outreach programme, Community Connections, which was developed to fulfil a need in our community. Designed to strengthen community ties, the Community Connections programme helps to give individuals and groups in the community who may not otherwise have access to the opportunity to learn more about local culture and heritage and have a creative outlet to express themselves.
Building on the success of 2022, the programme welcomed the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre as a new partner in 2023. Throughout the year, Community Connections delivered weekly lessons at the Bonaventure Boys Home, monthly lessons at Frances Bodden Children’s Home, quarterly exhibition tours and studio workshops for clients of Sunrise Adult Training Centre and the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
In 2023, we were also pleased to support and attend their fundraiser gala to help further assist their programmes.
Cayman Islands National Museum
Through dynamic programmes, exhibits and collections, the Cayman Islands National Museum is the living connection to our past and helps to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the Cayman Islands’ unique natural and cultural heritage. We are honoured to help support this important organisation and its dedication toward Caymanian history.
The Cayman Drama Society (“CDS”) is a vibrant community theatre, committed to providing quality live theatre to educate, enrich and entertain while also providing lifelong learning opportunities and fostering creative expression. Through contributions such as our CommUNITY donation1 , CDS is able to offer scholarships for young people to ensure they can participate in drama classes and camps regardless of their financial circumstances.
Additional Arts & Culture organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• National Trust for the Cayman Islands (please see Environmental pillar)
• Cayman Arts Festival 2023 bronze sponsor
As museums across the world increasingly embrace communitycentred approaches, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is proud to partner with Maples Group on Community Connections, an initiative that provides free tours and art workshops to vulnerable and underserved members of our community in alignment with our broader mission to foster dialogue, offer life-changing inclusive experiences and share the vibrancy of Caymanian arts and culture.
Maia Muttoo, NGCI Education Manager
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We firmly believe that local investment is not only the right thing to do but also has a profound impact on those in our community. Our outreach programmes strengthen our relationships with the local community and are representative of our commitment to acting responsibly and for the greater good.
We seek out sponsorship opportunities in this area that:
• Make a positive difference in the lives of others
• Bring together community members in a positive way
• Enrich the development of others
• Benefit the overall good of the Cayman Islands
Department of Children and Family Services
To help children walk confidently into the new school year, we once again partnered with the Department of Children and Family Services to provide school shoes to over 140 students in need. The hard work of the DCFS ensures that all children can have the opportunity to put their best foot forward as they stride towards success.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides hot and nutritious meals, free of charge, to seniors, the homebound and the disabled throughout the Cayman Islands. Their service supplies this vulnerable community with the assistance needed to retain their self-worth and independence and the ability to remain in their homes.
Through Leadership Cayman, a signature programme of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, we contributed to their fundraising event ‘Wheels for Meals’.
The Bridge Foundation
The important work of the Bridge Foundation benefits the entire community by supporting persons who are recovering from addiction to drugs and / or alcohol by providing a sober living environment and access to treatment.
Thank you for your generous donation [to the Bridge Foundation], which will help us build out a new women’s facility on our West Bay campus.
Frank “Bud” Volinsky, CEO / Director The Bridge Foundation Cayman
Cayman Connection
This year marked the second year of our threeyear partnership with the non-profit organisation, Cayman Connection, whereby we support programmes and services that benefit a global community of over 1,500 Caymanians, friends and associates who are living and studying abroad.
Some of the services and programmes provided by Cayman Connection include networking events, bi-monthly virtual events on a variety of topics, the annual Cayman Day overseas celebration and the Making Waves Awards, which we are proud to sponsor the Financial, Legal & Professional Services award.
Cayman Pride Parade 2023Cayman LGBTQ Foundation
During the month of June, our global Group proudly supported the important contributions and colourful spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community through a variety of local and internal events. In the Cayman Islands, the team took our “pride for Pride” to the streets in our annual sponsorship of and participation in the Cayman Pride Parade organised by the Cayman LGBTQ Foundation.
As a Group, offering an inclusive culture, where each person is encouraged to show up as their authentic self, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identify, is of the utmost importance and we are keen to support charities that align with this goal.
Additional Community Outreach organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• 100WF Investing in the Next Generation initiative via the Annual Barefoot Beach Gala and the Empowering Women in Finance and Beyond Breakfast
• Cayman’s Acts of Random Kindness
• Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
• Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce –Leadership Cayman
• Cayman Islands Crisis Centre
• Cayman Islands Humane Society
• Cayman Islands Red Cross
• Cayman Islands Veterans Association
• Cayman National Youth Culinary Programme
• Family Resource Centre
• Help For Children
• Inclusion Cayman
• Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman
• Lighthouse School
• Maple House
• Rotary Central Cayman Islands – Food for Life
• Sunrise Adult Training Centre
TEAM MAPLES COMMUNITY PROGRAMME
US$103,000
The “Team Maples CommUNITY” programme is an important component of our Cayman Islands CSR efforts. As part of this initiative, each staff member elects to contribute CI$10 from their monthly salary towards local organisations and charities in need. The more staff who participate, the greater the impact we have on our community.
Our total CommUNITY programme donations for 2023 amounted to over US$103,000.
The following organisations and charities were the recipients
1. Alex Panton Foundation
2. Build Your Future Cayman
3. Cayman’s Acts of Random Kindness
4. Cayman AIDS Foundation
5. Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
6. Cayman Eco Divers Foundation
7. Cayman Drama Society
8. Cayman Heart Fund
9. Cayman Islands Cancer Society
10. Cayman Islands Crisis Centre
11. Cayman Islands Humane Society
12. Cayman Islands National Museum
13. Cayman Islands Red Cross
14. Cayman Islands Veterans Association
15. Cayman National Cultural Foundation
16. Cayman National Youth Culinary Programme
17. Children and Youth Services Foundation
18. Department of Children and Family Services
19. Family Resource Centre
20. Inclusion Cayman
21. Jasmine
22. Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman
23. Mangrove Education Project
24. Maple House
25. Meals on Wheels
26. MS Foundation of the Cayman Islands
27. National Trust for the Cayman Islands
28. Plastic Free Cayman
29. Reef Renewal of the Cayman Islands
30. Rotary Central Cayman Islands
31. Sunrise Adult Training Centre
32. The Breast Cancer Foundation
33. The Bridge Foundation
34. YMCA of the Cayman Islands
WE WERE HAPPY TO SUPPORT THREE MEMBERS OF JASMINE’S CLINICAL TEAM TO ATTEND A PALLIATIVE CARE TRAINING COURSE
IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY, TEAM MAPLES WAS HONOURED TO ROCK OUR SOCKS!
ENVIRONMENT
We are committed to making the world a greener place to live and proudly support organisations that work hard to restore, sustain and protect the environment for future generations. We also strive to minimise our own negative impact and move towards more environmentally-friendly operations.
We seek out sponsorship opportunities in this area that:
• Bring together community members to assist in the restoration and protection of their natural surroundings in the Cayman Islands
• Support future-proofing initiatives (such as accessible, alternative energy sources) that will result in a cleaner, safer and healthier natural environment
• Educate people on the environmental impact of humans, seek to improve consumer habits and provide the public with a greater appreciation of the natural world
• Promote and fund conservation of native wildlife and critical ecosystems of the Cayman Islands
Central Caribbean Marine Institute
For the third consecutive year, we have supported the important work of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (“CCMI”) to sustain marine diversity and healthy coral reef through impactful research, education and outreach programmes.
Mangrove Education Project
The Mangrove Education Project (“MEP”) works to protect and monitor the ecological health of mangroves in the Cayman Islands. As an organisation, they collect data on the human impacts of our mangrove ecosystems and educate the local community on the true value of coastal lagoons – mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs –to our environment.
Through our support, MEP was able to continue its outreach efforts within local schools and to print a further 200 copies of its Coastal Lagoon Education Teachers’ Guide.
Additional Environmental organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• Cayman Eco Divers Foundation
• National Trust for the Cayman Islands
• Plastic Free Cayman
• Reef Renewal Cayman Islands
We are truly grateful for the support of the Maples Group to help sustain our projects and programmes as we continue to work toward important solutions for the future of coral reefs. Their support has helped us reach our 25-year milestone and allows us to look ahead to the next 25 years of research, conservation and education.
Robyn Larkin, Project Manager, Central Caribbean Marine Institute
HEALTHCARE
Raising awareness on the various diseases and health issues in the community is an initiative that we eagerly support. We sponsor organisations that counsel, demystify and promote education on the wide range of health-related topics affecting all demographics in our community.
Cayman Islands Cancer Society
We seek out sponsorship opportunities in this area that:
• Support and encourage healthy lifestyles and the well-being of others
• Have a direct, positive impact on patient care
• Raise awareness of today’s health issues and help to combat various diseases and health disparities
Alex Panton Foundation
We were pleased to once again sponsor the Alex Panton Foundation’s (APF) Annual Youth Mental Health Symposium, which centred on an important theme, “Let’s Talk About Trauma”.
We participated in several events across 2023. fundraising for the APF to raise awareness of mental illnesses in children and young adults, including this year’s Women’s Empowerment Brunch.
Several team members were also proud participants in the inaugural Addison Kelly Butterfly 5K, p roceeds of which supported the Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship with the APF, a scholarship available to eligible students interested in pursuing a degree in the field of mental health.
Cancer touches everyone which is why our support for the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s (“CICS”) fight against cancer is unwavering.
In 2023, we maintained our annual gold level sponsorship of the STRIDE Against Cancer event, sponsored the Office of Auditor General 40th Anniversary Walk / Run (with funds also supporting LOUD Silent Voices) and sponsored the MOpen Championship Golf Tournament at North Sound Golf Club in support of Movember. CICS and the Breast Cancer Foundation, Cayman Islands were also staffselected CommUNITY Programme recipients.
Hannah’s Heroes - St Baldrick’s Foundation
Since 2015, Team Maples & Balder has participated in Hannah’s Heroes – The Big Shave helping raise funds to support research to find cures for childhood cancers.
In 2023, Team Maples & Balder raised US$25,512. Overall, the event raised over US$200K. Since its inception, Hannah’s Heroes has raised over US$3 million! A job well done and a huge thank you to our shavees – Stephen Watler, Michael Johns, Jeremy Barkhouse and Andre Edwards — and Joanna Altares, who donated her gorgeous locks.
The funds raised help support the treatment of children in a clinical trial as part of a cooperative research grant to the Children’s Oncology Group. This funding helps more than 200 hospitals conduct clinical trials, which means cutting-edge treatments are available close to home.
Jasmine
As a long-time supporter of Jasmine, we are always delighted to support this organisation and their pertinent services offered to anyone in need in the Cayman Islands.
Following the retirement of one of their long-standing palliative nurse specialists in 2023, we supported three members of Jasmine’s clinical team to attend a palliative care training course provided by the Harvard Medical School Centre for Palliative Care. This specialist training strengthens both the Jasmine team’s knowledge and their ability to support patients and families in the Cayman Islands.
We were also pleased to donate TVs to Jasmine and the Cayman Hope Foundation (“CHF”).
These donations were well-received by our friends at Jasmine and CHF, and we hope that residents can relax, unwind and enjoy themselves with these additions to their spaces.
Additional Healthcare organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• Cayman AIDS Foundation
• Cayman Heart Fund
• Hope Foundation
• LOUD Silent Voices
• Maple House
• MS Foundation
SPORTS
We believe in the ability of sports to develop focus, commitment, leadership and discipline in our youth, enhance self-confidence and self-esteem, and bring our community together. We actively promote sports initiatives in the Cayman Islands and work with a variety of organisations to develop appropriate instructional, developmental and competitive programmes for their needs.
Cayman Islands Little League
We support opportunities in this area that:
• Provide a healthy and active lifestyle
• Help to develop focus, confidence, teamwork, commitment and discipline in the youth of the Cayman Islands
• Provide a safe environment to engage in extracurricular activities to develop a more productive and responsible adulthood
Cayman Islands Aquatic Swimming Association
For more than ten years, we have been a title sponsor of the Cayman Islands Aquatic Swimming Association (“CIASA”), providing an annual contribution to help CIASA swimmers achieve their goals. Our ongoing partnership with CIASA translates both to the individual success of their athletes and to the continued development of competitive and artistic swimming in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Islands Little League (“CILL”) was established in 1990 and provides children from all socioeconomic backgrounds with the opportunity to spend the summer months participating in organised baseball and softball activities.
In 2023, we made our fourth contribution toward the renovation of the Field of Dreams as part of our partnership with CILL and the YMCA.
We also continued our long-standing support of CILL’s youth baseball and softball leagues with a donation that enabled nearly 500 Little Leaguers to enjoy playing baseball and softball between January and June 2023.
Cayman Rugby Football Club
The Cayman Rugby Football Club (“CRFC”) is a nonprofit organisation responsible for developing and promoting the sport of rugby for young persons within the Cayman Islands.
As a major partner of the CRFC, we are proud to be the main sponsor of the National Rugby Outreach Programme since 2009, known as the Maples Group Junior Rugby and the Maples Group Community Development programmes. The programmes aim to introduce rugby to school children across the various Cayman Islands, enabling them to learn the game and focus on a sporting activity outside of school. Since its inception, the popularity of the programme has grown considerably and continues to be offered on Saturdays between October and May for children 3-16 years old.
This partnership is significant for us, as we strive to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success
Nick Freeland, Fundraising Director, Special Olympics Cayman Islands
Youth Flag Football League
Each year, the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association hosts the Youth Flag Football League for children 7-17 years old to get active in a fun and safe environment and we were happy to continue our fall team sponsorship of the youth league in 2023.
Additional Sports organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• Baytaf Track and Field Championship
• Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s Jingle Bell Walk / Run
• Cayman Islands Flag Football Association
• Cayman Islands Gymnastics Association
• Cayman Islands Monetary Association’s Annual 5K Walk / Run
• Deputy Governor’s 5K
• FC International Summer Football Camps
• Office of the Auditor General’s 40th Anniversary Walk / Run
Special Olympics Cayman Islands
For over 30 years, Special Olympics Cayman Islands (“SOCI”) has ensured that people with physical or learning disabilities within our community have access to year-round training and competition opportunities in various Olympic sports. These opportunities are vital in developing physical fitness; providing athletes with potential and purpose on and off the field; and establishing all-important social and communication skills, teamwork and independence. These opportunities, in turn, create a sense of joy and fulfilment amongst the athletes, their families and our wider Cayman Islands community.
As a Corporate Partner, we are honoured to help SOCI support 140 athletes across the Cayman Islands including the team of athletes who participated in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games, bringing home 30 medals (and 13 podium placements) in total. Congratulations to the Cayman Islands team and their efforts in the prestigious global event in Berlin, Germany.
YOUTH & EDUCATION
As an organisation, it is our inherent obligation to underscore the importance of education and invest in the next generation of leaders. We focus on education assistance, skills development and support organisations and initiatives providing educationfocused programmes that prepare individuals for a productive and bright future.
Our commitment to education is a fundamental principle and philosophy of the Maples Group. In addition to our own education efforts, we are proud to support exemplary education-oriented organisations and seek out sponsorship opportunities that:
• Support and enrich the development and aspirations of young people
• Help to open a world of learning opportunities and advancements to individuals
• Equip, train, mould and shape youth toward a more productive and responsible adulthood
United World College Cayman Islands
Since 2006, we have been an annual donor to United World College (“UWC”) Cayman Islands Foundation and have supported over 80 Caymanians attending United World Colleges around the world.
Our annual donation helps UWC Cayman provide financial assistance to Caymanian UWC scholars, covering essential costs such as tuition and accommodation.
Congratulations to the 2023 UWC scholarship recipients, Nathan Alston and Lucas Gaspar.
We wanted to thank Maples for your generous and significant support over the past three years. These donations have provided financial security, enabling us to continue focusing on delivering our critical programmes and advocating for systemic change.
Erica Dell’Oglio, Executive Director, LIFE
Literacy is for Everyone
Literacy is for Everyone (“LIFE”) is an independent charitable organisation committed to improving the education and literacy of over 2,700 primary school children in the Cayman Islands. In 2023, we made the final contribution towards our three-year partnership with LIFE.
These funds assisted the LIFE team in resuming their Paired Reading programme at John Gray High School, launching their new Baby & Me project for vulnerable mothers, providing scholarships to Early Childhood educators for additional professional development, and in hiring a new Programme Manager to help implement all parts of LIFE’s Early Years literacy programme.
Department of Children and Family Services
The Department of Children and Family Services, launched their Put Your Best Foot Forward initiative in 2015 to help provide local children with school shoes. In 2023, we were pleased to sponsor the programme in full to help purchase shoes for over 140 children.
Additional Youth & Education organisations and initiatives supported in 2023
• Anti-Bullying Foundation via Deputy Governor’s 5K
• Cayman National Youth Culinary Programme
• Children and Youth Services Foundation
• Code Cayman Gala
• Creek & Spot Primary PTA – Year 6 Graduation
• Help for Children Cayman Gala
• Inspire Cayman Training
• John Gray High School
• Lighthouse School – Autism Acceptance Month
• Sir John A Cumber Primary School
• Truman Bodden Law School Gala
The Maples Group welcomes requests for assistance from a wide range of community groups. If you would like to submit a proposal, please email caymansponsorships@maples.com
To keep up to date with all Maples Group news and activities, visit www.maples.com/csr and follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/maplesgroup/ , Maples Group Facebook https://www.facebook. com/maplesgroup and Instagram @maplesgroup https://www.instagram.com/maplesgroup