The Foundation
As a major player and expert in corporate philanthropy since 1984, the BNP Paribas Foundation focuses its philanthropic activities on two key priorities: innovation and youth. It aims to make an impact on society by supporting projects in the fields of solidarity, environment and culture, and is convinced that philanthropy can be a key lever for change. The BNP Paribas Foundation gives power to those who take action.
Operating under the wing of the Fondation de France, the BNP Paribas Foundation embodies some of the Group’s responses to challenges that, in a changing world, disrupt the existing balances. Acting at the forefront of civil society and on what moves it forward, the Foundation is at the heart of the BNP Paribas Group’s engagement through its strategy of philanthropy and social and environmental responsibility.
In fact, this is one of its essential roles:
To act for the common good, to promote this ambition and to persuade each one of us to do their part. To protect, remediate, inspire, act on both urgent matters and for the long term, and extend a hand and give everyone a chance.
Anne Pointet
Head of BNP Paribas Group Company Engagement
Member of BNP Paribas Group Executive Committee
Our ambition? To make the Foundation a benchmark in corporate philanthropy
The BNP Paribas Foundation acts as a “spearhead” in coalition with external partners, with the Group’s other Foundations and by rallying its employees, its business lines and territories wherever the Group is present.
Since 1984, the Foundation has provided its support to more than 2 million beneficiaries and more than 4,200 projects, including:
3,600
social and educational initiatives
50
research programmes on the climate and biodiversity
500
cultural projects
As an accelerator of transition, the Foundation stands out in its pioneering and leading role, as well as in its capacity to respond to major societal issues.
It is also guided by two priorities – innovation and youth – which are infused into three fields of societal action: solidarity, environment and culture.
Supporting actors of solidarity, scientific researchers, and artists who embody innovation and impact is part of the Foundation’s DNA. The Foundation’s outstanding support for equal opportunity, scientific research and artistic creativity – which characterises its action in these three distinct but interdependent areas – is solidly based. The Foundation acts as a lookout in adjusting to a new age by building bridges and cross-functional programmes in these three broad areas.
In 2023, the Foundation raised a total budget of €12.92m for projects of general interest, of which:
€7.65 M
in solidarity
€3.13 M
in environment
€2.14 M
in culture
Being a philanthropist means taking one’s time and taking risks – the very definition of innovation
We bring to light talents, innovative projects, and the people who are helping to change the world by making a social, environmental or cultural impact.
We accompany them over time with active and tailored support to publicise them, promote them and perpetuate their projects.
This is the essence of our mission.
Our three fields of action
Solidarity
Equal opportunity
The BNP Paribas Foundation fights various forms of exclusion, particularly in underprivileged neighbourhoods, and supports programmes to promote social integration and education. It also supports the Group’s employees’ voluntary and personal engagements.
Environment
Climate and biodiversity
The Foundation invests in French and international research teams studying the impacts of climate change, particularly its correlation with changes in our planet’s biodiversity.
Culture
Dance, jazz et circus arts
The Foundation’s cultural philanthropy actions support creativity and access to culture in three fields that are under-supported in the broader philanthropic landscape: contemporary dance and circus arts, and jazz.
Our flagship programmes
Projet Banlieues
This programme supports French local associations whose impactful actions prevent different forms of exclusion, in underprivileged neighbourhoods identified as priorities in urban planning.
Since 2006, the Foundation has supported 1,200 associations and 1,200,000 beneficiaries.
Odyssée Jeunes
This programme funds educational trips of middle schools in Seine-Saint-Denis
(Paris’ northern and eastern suburbs).
Since 2009: 55,000 student beneficiaries,
1,300 school field trips, 137 middle schools.
(For more information: the Odyssée Jeunes platform; only in French)
Refugee Programme
This programme promotes the integration into working life of refugee women and men, and helps them learn the language of their host country.
Since 2015, the BNP Paribas Group and the Foundation have supported 30 associations in about a dozen European countries.
Help2Help
This programme promotes the voluntary and personal engagement of BNP Paribas France employees within associations operating in France and internationally.
Since 2003, the Foundation has supported about 1,100 (BNP Paribas employees and hence) associations on the ground in about 20 countries.
(For more information: the Help2Help platform; only in French)
Climate & Biodiversity Initiative
This is the largest environmental philanthropic programme in France and supports climate and biodiversity scientific research.
Since 2010, the Foundation has supported more than 500 scientists worldwide.
Dream Up
Managed by BNP Paribas Group and the Foundation, this international programme promotes access by young people to art practice.
Since 2015: 55,000 beneficiaries in 29 countries.
The Foundation turns 40 in 2024
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