TD Bank Group has announced a C$1 billion ($775 million) multiyear initiative aimed at helping individuals and communities prosper in a changing world.

Through The Ready Commitment, TD will disburse funds in four focus areas critical to building an inclusive, sustainable future: financial security, a more vibrant planet, connected communities, and better health. To that end, the Toronto-based bank will work to create opportunities that help people improve their financial security, from improved access to affordable housing, to financial literacy training, to early learning initiatives; raise awareness of environmental health and sustainability to ensure that communities and economies are able to thrive, including supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy; create opportunities for everyone to participate and be included in their community; and support more equitable health outcomes through investments in innovative solutions.

As part of its commitment, TD also will align its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

According to a recent TD survey of twelve hundred Canadians and fifteen hundred Americans between the ages of 18 and 60, only 29 percent of Canadians and 30 percent of Americans feel confident they will be able to keep pace with change over the next decade. The survey also identified exclusion as a significant societal concern, with 34 percent of Canadians and 28 percent of Americans saying they did not feel included in their communities.

"While there is enormous opportunity for growth, progress, and economic development before us, we know that change can be disruptive and has the potential to increase social and economic exclusion," said Bharat Masrani, president and CEO of the TD Bank Group. "TD is committed to the hard work needed to open doors and help make the promise of tomorrow more inclusive for the millions of individuals across our growing North American footprint."