Connecting people, businesses and communities is Brussels Airport’s core mission. That is why the airport has been supporting good causes that make a positive difference and bring people together for some time. With the Brussels Airport Fund, established in cooperation with the King Baudouin Foundation, Brussels Airport wants to further strengthen its social role. Through this fund, organisations in the vicinity can request support for sustainable projects in response to an annual thematic call for proposals.
For years, Brussels Airport has implemented a sponsoring strategy whereby organisations are supported that focus on connection, sustainability and wellbeing, both on a national and local level. Brussels Airport is, for example, official partner of the Royal Belgian Hockey Association and sponsors various youth sports associations in the immediate vicinity. As from 2023, Brussels Airport is extending its sponsoring activities by encouraging other sustainable local initiatives through a fund. The Brussels Airport Fund is an independent fund established under the auspices of the King Baudouin Foundation. The fund manages the applications, and an objective jury is responsible for the selection of the projects.
Local projects in the areas of nature and environment, energy or mobility that stimulate the connection between residents and their environment could respond to the Fund’s first call. Sustainability is a key aspect: the project will be evaluated not only by the positive impact it could have on the neighbourhood and climate, but also on its long-term results. Additionally, a clear financial plan of approach and specific targets are also crucial.
All non-profits, youth movements, local organisations, de facto associations, schools, etc. in the vicinity are eligible, as long as they propose a specific project and do not apply for support of their normal operations. For example, think of a care farm wanting to lay out a vegetable garden, a cycling initiative for socially vulnerable groups, a new recreational wood or a youth association that wants to work on energy-efficient and ecological housing but lacks sufficient resources.
Organisations could apply for project support between €1,000 and €10,000 per project. Projects for this first call for proposals could be submitted until 18 September 2023 via the King Baudouin Foundation website.
Applications are now being reviewed by an independent jury. As soon as the selection is completed, the organizations in question will receive more information and further communication will also follow regarding the projects that will receive support.