The Banco Popular Foundation Awards Funding for Three Local Organizations in Recognition of Their Contributions

December 13, 2006; 06:24 AM

Banco Popular North America (BPNA), one of the nation's premier community banks and a leading U.S. Small Business Administration Lender and The Banco Popular Foundation, today announced awarding three grants to organizations in the area in recognition of their contributions to the communities they serve. The grants are part of the more than $400,000 that were awarded to 34 organizations in the U.S.

"For the last 113 years, Banco Popular has remained steadfast in serving its communities and to supporting organizations that strive to create and foster positive development, growth and revitalization," said Mike Carr, Banco Popular Regional Executive for Texas. "We are truly fortunate to have generous employees that strongly support our commitment to giving and to have these dedicated organizations contribute on an ongoing basis to bettering our communities."

The Banco Popular Foundation experienced a dramatic increase in employee contributions. Additionally, 40% of Banco Popular employee base contributed financially and each gift was matched by the Bank. Banco Popular's Texas region achieved 100% participation for 2006. In addition to financial support, DreamMakers volunteer many hours of their time to these organizations.

"We appreciate Banco Popular's support and belief in building our communities one person and one family at a time by giving them the necessary tools for empowerment and building a strong family environment," said Candy Perez-Johnson, Executive Director, La Rosa Family Services. "The grant will help us to promote awareness for the need to educate the general public about the devastating effects domestic violence on our families."

Regional Recipients

* The Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. The Banco Popular Foundation grant will provide 50 economically disadvantaged kids with the opportunity to participate in the Los Prados Apartment youth soccer program for two seasons allowing them to receive coaching, role modeling, encouragement, values education, skill development and  positive peer interaction.

* La Rosa Family Services provides bilingual and bicultural assistance to victims of domestic Violence and abuse.  For over a decade, La Rosa has delivered services, information and educational programs on financial literacy and economic empowerment. Grant funding will help La Rosa expand its program to educate a greater portion of the community about the devastation that domestic violence and abuse imposes on the entire family.

* Tre Rice Endowment Fund Foundation provides scholarships to children in the Autistic spectrum of diseases to enable them to attain the needed therapies and education to become productive citizens. The grant will be used to support scholarships that are directed at schools that provide services for these children.

An award ceremony is being held today with employees and representatives from all of the community organizations.

About Banco Popular North America

Banco Popular North America (www.bancopopular.com), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the leading community banks in the U.S. with 142 branches in the states of California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Its core businesses include retail and commercial banking services, mortgage and consumer lending, and investment services. Banco Popular was named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2005 by FORTUNE Magazine and ranks among the top 5 Small Business Administration lenders in the country. Banco Popular North America is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. (Nasdaq: BPOP).