SM Foundation, Inc. is the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group of Companies, established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy. It focuses on improving the lives of underserved Filipinos through programs in education, health, sustainable agriculture, disaster relief, and social inclusion.
Knowing about SM Foundation is essential because it provides crucial support to communities in need, offering opportunities for education, healthcare, and livelihood that many would otherwise lack. Understanding their initiatives can help Filipinos access available resources and contribute to building a more resilient and inclusive society.
What is SM Foundation?
SM Foundation, Inc., founded in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Group of Companies. The foundation is dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities across the Philippines by providing essential support in education, healthcare, community development, and environmental sustainability.
Through its various programs, SM Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for Filipinos by offering scholarships, medical missions, livelihood training, and disaster relief, while also advocating for the needs of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and senior citizens. This ongoing commitment to social responsibility reflects the foundation’s guiding principle of “People Helping People” as it continues to expand its impact nationwide.
History
SM Foundation, Inc. was established in 1983 by Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy as the social responsibility arm of the SM Group of Companies, committed to serving underserved communities. Over the years, the foundation has focused on education, healthcare, disaster response, and community development, launching programs like college scholarships in 1993, technical-vocational scholarships in 2007, and medical missions starting in 2001. SM Foundation also initiated the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in 2007 and played a key role in disaster response, particularly with the completion of 1,000 houses for Yolanda survivors in 2016. The foundation’s efforts reflect its enduring mission of “People Helping People,” contributing to social inclusion and community empowerment. Today, SM Foundation continues to expand its impact, nurturing and supporting communities across the Philippines.
Logo
The SM Foundation logo consists of two main elements: the text “SM FOUNDATION” and the iconic SM circular logo.
- Text “SM FOUNDATION”
The words “SM FOUNDATION” are written in a clean, modern, and bold font with the letters “SM” in a darker blue shade than the word “FOUNDATION,” indicating the brand’s identity and importance. The word “FOUNDATION” is in a lighter blue, which provides a visual balance and emphasizes the foundation’s role as a separate but integral part of the SM brand.
- Circular SM Logo
On the right side, the familiar circular SM logo appears, which consists of the intertwined letters “S” and “M” in white, set against a solid blue background. This logo is consistent with the brand’s main visual identity and is widely recognized as a symbol of SM’s various businesses and corporate social responsibility efforts..
The simplicity of the logo reflects the foundation’s focus on making a meaningful impact without unnecessary complexity. The circular shape symbolizes inclusivity, unity, and the foundation’s commitment to serving communities across the country. Overall, the logo effectively communicates the foundation’s identity, connecting it to the larger SM brand while emphasizing its distinct role in social development and corporate responsibility.
Mission
“We will make targeted social investments in education, health care, livelihood and shelter to help underserved Filipinos improve their lives; and we will promote initiatives to protect and enhance the Philippines’ unique and diverse ecological heritage. We will do this by working directly with communities to give them the assistance they require, by leveraging our corporate assets to secure resources and build awareness and by engaging with strong partners to create programs that promote a cycle of positive change.”
Vision
“A Philippines where everyone has the opportunity for self-improvement and the environment is sustained for future generations.”
Core Values
At the heart of SM Foundation’s mission is a commitment to uplifting communities through a strong foundation of guiding principles. These core values drive every initiative and program we undertake:
- Sustainability
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Hard Work
- Integrity
Mandate
SM Foundation of the SM Group of Companies, has been dedicated to helping the less fortunate in the communities it serves through various initiatives. The foundation focuses on four key areas: education, health, community development, and disaster response.
Education
- Provides college and technical-vocational scholarships to poor but deserving students
- Constructs and donates public school buildings
Health
- Conducts medical missions and establishes wellness and health centers
Community Development
- Offers livelihood trainings and greening projects
- Supports spiritual development and immediate disaster response
Care for the Environment and Special Needs
- Focuses on persons with disabilities, children, nursing mothers, the elderly, and overseas Filipino workers
SM Foundation’s initiatives have had a significant impact, with over 4,200 college scholar graduates, 4,699 tech-voc scholar graduates, and 1,244,720 patients served through medical missions. The foundation continues to expand its reach and make a positive difference in the lives of many Filipinos.
Organizational Structure
SM Foundation, Inc. operates under a structured organizational framework designed to effectively implement its various social initiatives. The foundation is led by a Board of Trustees, which oversees its strategic direction and ensures alignment with its mission of community upliftment.
Key components of its organizational structure include:
- Executive Director: Responsible for the overall management and operational execution of the foundation’s programs.
- Program Managers: Oversee specific areas such as education, healthcare, and community development, ensuring that initiatives are effectively implemented and monitored.
- Support Staff: Provide administrative and logistical support to facilitate the foundation’s activities and outreach programs.
- Volunteers: Engage in various projects, helping to extend the foundation’s reach and impact within communities.
This structure enables SM Foundation, Inc. to efficiently mobilize resources and collaborate with local communities, enhancing its ability to address social issues across the Philippines.
Benefit
The presence of SM Foundation significantly contributes to societal improvement and community empowerment through various initiatives. By addressing critical areas such as education, healthcare, and community development, the foundation helps enhance the quality of life for many Filipinos.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides scholarships and builds educational facilities, enabling access to quality education for underprivileged youth.
- Healthcare Access: Conducts medical missions and establishes health centers, improving healthcare access and quality for underserved communities.
- Community Development: Implements livelihood programs and disaster response initiatives, fostering economic growth and resilience in local communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promotes sustainable practices and supports programs for marginalized groups, contributing to a healthier environment and inclusive society.
- Civic Engagement: Encourages volunteerism and community participation, strengthening social bonds and fostering a culture of giving back.Â
Through these, SM Foundation, Inc. not only aids in immediate needs but also fosters long-term sustainable development in the Philippines.
Coverage
SM Foundation’s programs and services are designed to uplift various sectors of society, addressing their unique needs through targeted interventions. The beneficiaries of these programs include the following groups:
- Students: Beneficiaries of college and technical-vocational scholarships, as well as school building programs.
- Communities: Recipients of health services through medical missions, wellness centers, and improved barangay health centers.
- Farmers: Beneficiaries of sustainable agriculture programs, farmers’ training, and market expansion initiatives.
- Disaster-Affected Populations: Recipients of immediate assistance through Operation Tulong Express and Kalinga Packs during disasters.
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens: Beneficiaries of SM Cares programs, including PWD sensitivity training, emergency preparedness forums, and senior citizen engagement activities.
- Women and Breastfeeding Mothers: Supported through initiatives like the establishment of breastfeeding stations and health programs.
- Children and Youth: Beneficiaries of educational and developmental programs such as the Global Youth Summit and partnerships with organizations like UNICEF.
- Environmental Advocates: Engaged through programs like Trash to Cash, Green Film Festivals, and coastal clean-up activities.
Programs and Services
SM Foundation, Inc. offers a range of programs and services aimed at uplifting and empowering underserved communities across the Philippines. These initiatives focus on education, health and wellness, sustainable agriculture, disaster relief, and more, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to social responsibility.
1. Education
- College Scholarship Program: Provides access to higher education for financially challenged but deserving students.
- Technical-Vocational Scholarship Program: Supports students pursuing technical-vocational courses, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor.
- School Building Program: Constructs and equips school buildings in underserved communities.
2. Health & Wellness
- Medical Missions: Offers free medical and dental care to communities in need.
- Felicidad Sy Wellness Centers: Upgrades public hospital facilities to better serve the community.
- Health Centers: Improves barangay health centers to meet PhilHealth accreditation standards.
3. Sustainable Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture: Enhances farmers’ knowledge to improve crop quality and yield.
- Farmers’ Market: Expands the reach of sustainable agriculture through the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program.
- Farmers’ Training: Enhances farmers’ agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.
4. Relief Operations
- Operation Tulong Express: Provides immediate disaster relief in the form of medicine and basic needs.
- Kalinga Packs: Distributes essential supplies during disasters.
5. SM Cares
- Children and Youth: Promotes the welfare of children and youth through various community-building initiatives.
- Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Creates a barrier-free, inclusive environment for PWDs in SM malls.
- Environment: Promotes responsible waste management and environmental education.
- Senior Citizens: Encourages an active lifestyle and community engagement among the elderly.
- Women and Breastfeeding Mothers: Supports the health and wellness of women and nursing mothers through dedicated programs.
6. Shop & Share
- Share Shoes: Collects and distributes shoes to those in need.
- Shop & Share for Education: Promotes education and reading among youth through community involvement.
- Shop & Share for Sustainable Livelihood: Supports farming communities by providing agricultural tools and seedlings.
- Shop & Share A Toy: Encourages community involvement by distributing toys to children in underserved areas.
- CSR Day VolunteeriSM: Engages employees in volunteer work to support local communities.
Video: SM Foundation AVP (Supporting Communities)
Sm Foundation believes in a world where there are equal opportunities. For more than three decades, it has been committed to help enable and uplift lives by providing access to opportunities in sustainable agriculture, health & wellness, education, environmental sustainability and care for people with specific and special needs. Watch how it supports these communities in this video from SM Foundation Youtube:
Summary
SM Foundation, Inc. helps provide options for cash assistance and other forms of support to Filipinos, especially those from marginalized communities. Its programs are designed to address immediate needs and foster long-term growth and development. For those seeking assistance, SM Foundation offers a range of programs that can provide not only financial aid but also hope and opportunities for a better future. Whether through education, healthcare, disaster relief, or sustainable agriculture, SM Foundation’s commitment to “People Helping People” continues to serve as a pillar of support and make a significant impact on the lives of many Filipinos.
Contact Information
SM Foundation, Inc.
Main Office Address: 3/F Bayshore, SM Retail Headquarters J.W. Diokno Blvd. corner Bayshore, MOA Complex Pasay City, 1300, Philippines
Contact Number: (632) 8857-0100 loc. 1678
Email Address: smfiadmin@sm-foundation.org
Official Website: https://www.sm-foundation.org
Official Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/SMFoundationInc/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PYCyvikaFoumMNHW9dVAg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smfoundationinc/
