Greater Good Grants

Greater Good Grants

Our Belief

Stemming from a belief that all businesses have a duty to do good, Banyan Group funds projects that benefit local communities and the natural environment in areas where our hotels and resorts operate. 

In 2020, the Banyan Global Foundation introduced the Greater Good Grants to further support these endeavours.

30 Projects to Celebrate 30 Years

To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Foundation called on all associates to share in the celebrations, funding 30 associate-led projects that support the Group’s overall direction in addressing the material topics of Climate Action, Waste, Water, Biodiversity, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Our associates responded enthusiastically with a wide range of deserving projects in partnership with local communities, governmental and nongovernmental organisations in China, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Projects were selected based on the following criteria:

Long-term social, environmental, welfare and/or financial benefits to the stakeholder community where our property operates
Alignment to our focus areas, group goals and UN SDGs
Transparency and sustainability of the project
Experience of the project leader
Location of the project—within 50 km of the property to ensure long-term commitment
  • 2 Climate Action
  • 4 Waste
  • 4 Water
  • 5 Biodiversity
  • 15 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Improving Infrastructure
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Improving Access to Clean Water
A small village near Banyan Tree Yangshuo relied on potentially unsafe karst cave water and groundwater for drinking and farm irrigation. With support from a Greater Good Grant, the village was able to construct the infrastructure to establish a water supply network from a nearby town, providing clean and convenient water access to its 600 villagers.

The project also provided employment for 40 of the villagers who were trained to carry out the construction, generating income and transferable vocational skills. Through this, the resort was able to promote environmental awareness among the villagers, equipping them with skills to improve their health and livelihoods.
Supporting Waste Management
With a Greater Good Grant, Banyan Tree Bangkok is lending its support to a resident-led waste management initiative at Ban Mankong Suan Phlu Community Housing, a nearby working-class residential district.

The community of nearly 1,000 residents implemented a waste management system that separates general, hazardous, food and recyclable waste—aiming to divert waste from landfill, and encourage responsible consumption and recycling. The hotel was able to support by purchasing a bottle pressing machine for the community, aiding in its recycling efforts. Proceeds from recycling would be re-invested into improving community spaces, contributing to sustainable urban development.
Protecting Biodiversity
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Migratory Bird Conservation
Bird migration is an example of the interconnectedness of our world when it comes to biodiversity. With its proximity to the impressive Taihu National Wetland Park, Banyan Tree and Angsana Suzhou Shishan pledged its support to the conservation of migratory birds in the area.

As of December 2024, some 177 species of wild birds have been recorded at the park, including the Lapwing and Falcated Duck, both of which are IUCN World Near Threatened Species, and the nationally protected Peregrine Falcon, Short-eared Owl and Chinese Hwamei. With funding from a Greater Good Grant and close coordination with the park authorities, volunteers observed and studied the birds, cleared typhoon-damaged vegetation and have built seven large bird nests.
Wildlife Protection
In effort to raise awareness around the diverse biodiversity of its surrounding Wuxi Mountain Nature Reserve and Tachuan National Forest Park, Banyan Tree Huangshan collaborated with the local forestry bureau to establish the Banyan Tree Huangshan Wildlife Protection Volunteer Group.

Members of the group participate in daily forest patrols, public welfare promotions, special rescue operations, lectures, and other educational activities organised by the forestry bureau. The resort also supports the bureau in its engagement efforts with neighbouring residents, as well as the development of habitats and shelters for the protection of wildlife in the area.
Empowering Communities
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Supporting Small Businesses
Since 2018, Laguna Bintan has been supporting local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by engaging more local resources to drive economic opportunities. One such example is through Banyan Group’s signature Sundown Ritual.

Twice a week, the Sundown Ritual is held at Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia Bintan, inviting guests to indulge in local cuisine while enjoying sunset views with a traditional dance performance. The event also includes a spa experience and Gallery corner, as well as showcases by the community—including traditional craft making, weaving, batik painting, honey tasting—where guests have the opportunity to purchase locally-made items.

Laguna Bintan has also provided equipment support to participating MSMEs and will offer training in 2025 to help them improve the quality and quantity of their production.
Farming to Benefit the Community

To create employment opportunities and supply high-quality products at fair prices to the local community, Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong is supporting a farm owner to revitalise a nearby hydroponic farm.

Fitted with a simple static water system to manage cost and ensure easy-to-employ farming techniques, planting began in late 2024. The farm now produces a weekly supply of vegetables for sale and the goal is for production to scale-up and generate a sustainable income for the community.

The farm will also serve as a centre to promote the benefits of sustainable agriculture, with the aim to build long-term resilience within the community.

Creating Opportunities

In 2024, Laguna Lăng Cô offered full scholarships to five underprivileged students from the community around the hotel. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation for a two-year intermediate-level culinary training programme. Upon graduation, successful students will be offered employment at Laguna Lăng Cô.

The scholarships not only provide access to higher education and nurture a passion for hospitality, but aim also to help the students to secure stable employment and ultimately develop a pool of local culinary talent for the resort.

Encouraging Inclusion

In partnership with Hope Centre Hue—a local NGO which provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged—Banyan Tree and Angsana Lăng Cô have introduced the Soul Healing Corner, providing an empowering space where artists with disabilities are employed to work in hospitality service.

Reinforcing both social and environmental responsibility, resort guests are invited to participate in cultural bonding activities at the space and learn to create traditional crafts such as handmade keychains and embroidered products made from recycled materials.

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