Corporate philantrophy

To a company, corporate philanthropy represents a very special commitment to its beneficiaries. As a result of how a company views its identity, its values and the way it wishes to exist in civil society, the company conveys its interest in its cultural and social environment. It also allows to act in areas where the public does not necessarily expect it to.

Corporate philanthropy thus represents an unforced, spontaneous act, the very principle of which can be assessed only by the company itself.

Although being complementary, corporate philanthropy is not sponsorship. Defined as support in the form of monetary funding or in kind (i.e. products, services and labour) granted for carrying out not-for-profit activities in the general interest and without direct compensation, corporate philanthropy – unlike sponsorship – is thus devoid of any commercial purpose.

Corporate philantrophy really is part of the DNA of BNP Paribas Fortis and flourishes thanks to the commitment of staff who wish to make a contribution to the community. The Foundations, the first of which was created in Belgium in 1996, embody the purely humanist approach of the BNP Paribas Fortis. Above and beyond the assistance they provide for projects undertaken by associations, they also play an important role in encouraging members of staff to take an active part in setting up various projects. Many of our colleagues have volunteered to help in countries which have a BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation.