Our flagship environmental program combats coastal erosion through reforestation. Since 2023, we’ve planted 19,198 trees across 14 municipalities, aiming to reach 25,000 by 2026.
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In 2025, FirstBank launched the first debit card in Puerto Rico whose interior is made from recycled plastic recovered from the ocean and coastal areas.
We’ve built a robust waste management program that recycles paper, electronics, wood, batteries, carpet tiles, organic waste, heavy metals and single stream plastics; minimizing our environmental footprint.
2,129 metric tons CO2 emissions avoided
16,601 trees preserved
326 cubic yards of landfill space saved
1.5 million of kWh energy saved
910,338 gallons of water preserved
2,129 metric tons CO2 emissions avoided
16,601 trees preserved
326 cubic yards of landfill space saved
1.5 million of kWh energy saved
910,338 gallons of water preserved
Founding partner of Puerto Rico’s science and environment learning center
Coastal cleanup and marine conservation ally
Annual funding and volunteer support through 2026
We originated 1,048 loans under $1M in 2025, providing $173 million in support for local small businesses.
We help families access homeownership through federally backed mortgage programs. In 2025, we closed 894 loans totaling $170.7 million.
Through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, FirstBank supports first-time homebuyers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2025, we granted $172,500 across 7 households to help cover down payments, closing costs, and nonprofit counseling services.
FirstBank helps more families access affordable housing by participating in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. In 2025, we supported 297 families in purchasing their first home, totaling $30.4 million in mortgage financing.
We financed $238.2 million in community development loans across 54 projects to stimulate local economies and revitalize underserved areas.
In 2025, FirstBank participated in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s Small Business Recovery Grant. We awarded $50,000, the maximum allowed, across ten small businesses from Centro para Puerto Rico Sila M. Calderon to support their economic recovery and growth.
As a certified lender for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FirstBank helps small businesses access financing with favorable terms. In 2025, we issued 56 SBA-backed loans totaling $27 million, offering long-term support that improves cash flow and makes capital more accessible to local businesses.
In partnership with Grupo Guayacán, we empower start-ups through training, mentorship, and funding. In 2025, we awarded a $20,000 prize to Gelato Orquídea Negra for its production of gelato using resources sourced from the family-owned farm Finca Pastoreo in Dorado.
Our free educational program offers training in finance, marketing, and digital tools to help small businesses grow and scale.
We offer pop-up retail space to Puerto Rican entrepreneurs during peak seasons, connecting them with thousands of customers.More information → The Shop
Our YOU First College Program is designed to support students in their academic and career development through scholarships and real-world learning experiences, made possible by strategic alliances with various universities in Puerto Rico.
Our YOU First College Program is designed to support students in their academic and career development through scholarships and real-world learning experiences, made possible by strategic alliances with various universities in Puerto Rico.
In 2025, FirstBank awarded $105,000 in scholarships through 10 universities and campuses for high-performing students with limited financial resources.
Since 2011, the First Internship Program offers hands-on experience and exposure to the banking sector. In 2025, we hosted spring and summer sessions with participation from 20 student interns who worked on projects related to business operations, optimization, and systems automation.
“The Outfit” provides University of Puerto Rico students on the Río Piedras campus access to professional attire for job interviews, internships, and career-related events.
This free educational program equips students with practical tools and workshops focused on entrepreneurship, career development, and financial education. Participants receive expert-led training on topics such as access to capital, credit management, cybersecurity, and business strategy.
Financial education
Affordable Housing
Economic Development
Community development
Revitalization/ Stabilization
At FirstBank, we have two formal channels for receiving requests to support community programs and initiatives. Both programs have distinct criteria and evaluation processes. We recommend reviewing the corresponding guidelines before submitting a request.
This program supports community programs aligned with our focus areas: education and entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Requests are evaluated based on their alignment with these themes, as detailed in the program guidelines.
Proposals must be submitted with the corresponding form to: impactosocial@firstbankpr.com
Focused on projects that meet the criteria of the CRA Act, especially those benefiting low- and moderate-income communities. Requests are evaluated based on the amount requested and must include specific documentation, as detailed in the program guidelines
Requests must be submitted to: donaciones@firstbankpr.com