Calls for projects offer genuine opportunities for non-profits. There are numerous public utility foundations, corporate foundations and endowment funds dedicated to a wide range of causes. Some fund projects directly, while others operate indirectly. Their areas of intervention vary depending on their focus and the fields they work in.
A non-exhaustive list of Belgian foundations is available here.
The most well-known foundations
King Baudouin Foundation
The King Baudouin Foundation is one of the most active foundations in Belgium, supporting hundreds of projects every year. The foundation supports a wide range of areas (health, poverty reduction, environment, heritage, etc.) in Belgium and abroad. Every year, the Foundation launches 200 calls for projects.
Foundation for Future Generations
The main aim of the Foundation for Future Generations is to pass on a liveable world to our children by funding projects focused on the transition of our society towards sustainable development. Their website lists the various calls for projects put out by their partners.
Queen Paola Foundation
The Foundation supports non-profits involved in various ways in the integration and training of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people (aged 3 to 25). It provides support to smaller non-profits in particular. You can apply for support throughout the year.
Cera
Cera provides a financial boost for projects operating in one of three areas: a solidarity-based society, friendly neighbourhoods, and the promotion of cooperatives as a business model.
You can apply for support throughout the year.
Houtman Fund (O.N.E.)
The Houtman Fund finances projects working with children in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. There are three ways to access their financial support: through calls for projects, spontaneous grant applications, and end-of-year grants.
Bernheim Foundation
The Bernheim Foundation supports projects that are aimed at young people aged 12 to 25, and are working to combat discrimination, develop "soft skills" and/or enhance the socio-cultural capital of young people. Priority is given to small non-profits (fewer than 10 FTEs).
You can apply for support from the Bernheim Foundation at any time throughout the year.
4WINGS
4WINGS supports innovative projects focused on sustainable food for disadvantaged young people and families in Brussels.
United Fund for Belgium
UFB helps small and medium-sized non-profit organisations (NPOs) working to improve children's well-being, alleviate poverty or support the disabled, by providing financial support to carry out a practical, tangible project with a direct impact on the beneficiaries. The application form for financial support is available here.
Le Bon Moment by BePlanet
Le Bon Moment is a call for projects launched by Be Planet and dedicated to local initiatives working to support nature and the climate. In practical terms, the non-profit (you) undertakes to launch a participatory financing campaign in which any funds raised are doubled by Be Planet.
Foundations of large private corporations
It's not uncommon for large corporations to enhance their social impact by setting up philanthropic foundations. Here are a few of them:
- Every year, BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation launches two calls for projects open to non-profits committed to helping children and young people living in poverty.
- Through spontaneous funding applications, the ENGIE Foundation finances non-profits active in the following areas: children and young people; energy access, biodiversity and climate; integration through employment and the fight against poverty.
- The P&V Foundation encourages active citizenship and fights against the social exclusion of young people. Sign up for their newsletter to keep up to date with their upcoming calls for projects.
NPOs financing projects
We've put together a list of some of the non-profits that finance NPOs in the field. Google is your best friend for broadening your search 😊.
Bela non-profit organisation
The NPO Bela offers services to support and promote authors in the fields of literature, audiovisual media, live performance and sound in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Bela has set up a platform compiling open calls for projects and grants in the creative sector.
Alterfin
Alterfin is a Belgian social cooperative financing the development of social enterprises worldwide. It provides financing exclusively for micro-finance and sustainable agriculture projects in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Promethea
Every year, Promethea awards a prize for initiatives that enhance the urban environment and/or its heritage, and improve the quality of life for the people of Brussels.
Service clubs
Service club members pool their skills and commitment to help the community, especially those who are most in need, whether because of poverty, disability or illness. Cultural enrichment and youth protection regularly form a part of their work. Examples of Service Clubs include the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Fifty-One Club.
Please note, however, that you generally need to be a member of these clubs to put forward a project for financial support.
Useful resources