Spring 2018

European foundations are preserving cultural heritage for future generations

Under the Honorary Chairmanship of HM Queen Mathilde www.kbs-frb.be • www.europe-kbf.eu • www.africa-kbf.org • www.kbfcanada.ca • www.kbfus.org • www.kbfcanada.ca • www.africa-kbf.org • www.europe-kbf.eu www.kbs-frb.be Brussels X, P309439 Editorial Table of contents 2 Editorial Luc Tayart de Borms Dossier ‘Your health’ > Managing Director 3-7 3 Living with dementia without stigma 4-5 Researchers, academics and patients in dialogue for priority setting in health Foreword 6-7 Rare diseases: the story of Aurélien 8-9 BruVoices: how to make Brussels Putting people at the heart of projects the attacks two years ago, to see how into a resilient city? Certain foundations focus on they feel about their city and to hear their supporting environmental groups, hopes and fears (p. 8-9). The need to 10-11 Prince Albert Fund exports business talent others target initiatives aimed at acknowledge and act on people’s feelings reducing social inequalities, while is also highlighted in the most recent New 12-13 Meetings between citizens and refugees some prefer to spend their time and Pact for Europe report, which underlines facilitating social integration money defending culture. Here at the how citizens cannot be ignored if the King Baudouin Foundation, we prefer, European Union is to emerge from the 14-15 Having African roots and living in Belgium: as is made clear by the breadth of threats and challenges of populism that facts & figures articles in the latest edition of our have blighted its member states in recent 16-17 European foundations are safeguarding International Magazine, a more holistic years (p.18-19). cultural heritage ‘From Tiepolo to Richter’ approach and believe that different change models can work together to Culture is an important way of creating 18-19 New Pact for Europe: a plan create a better society for everybody. a sense of belonging among people. It for re-energising is about shared experiences, bringing 20-21 Citizens making their voices heard: Key to this approach is our emphasis on different people together to share a Civitates Fund ensuring that people are at the heart of the common interest. To this end, KBF in the projects supported by KBF. We therefore framework of the European Foundation 22-23 Isaan Fund encourages young welcome initiatives that give a broad Centre AGA, will host an exhibition as part potential in Thailand range of voices a platform to express of the 2018 European Year of Cultural their opinions, that listen to different ideas Heritage (cover, p. 16-17). 24-25 Our ID and take them into account when making 26-27 KBF Canada - generous donation from final decisions. Policymakers and others With all this interesting news coming out Canada to Gembloux with decision-making powers should not of Europe, it is important not to forget that 28-29 KBFUS – Ene Riisna on the significance of shortcut citizens and ignore their wishes KBF is likewise helping donors in the US music in Estonia and worries. and Canada to put their money to good use and support the causes in which they 30-31 KBFUS – Art: The Rijksmuseum, This attitude is clear in the work we believe. It is particularly heartening to Amsterdam was gifted a photo collection are backing in the field of health, where see the work of KBF Canada, which only Et cetera we are helping to end the ignorance received its fiscal status in September 32 surrounding many rare diseases (p.6-7) 2017 (p. 26-27). and to ensure that biomedical research is determined with the input of patients Many thanks again to all those PUBLISHER: Luc Tayart de Borms and civil society (p. 4-5). who make all this important and rue Brederodestraat 21 extraordinary work possible. B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Meanwhile, in Brussels we have T: +32-2-500 4 555 supported BruVoices, a project set up Luc Tayart de Borms [email protected] • kbs-frb.be to listen to the citizens of Brussels since Managing Director IBAN BE10 0000 0000 0404 BIC BPOTBEB1

The King Baudouin Foundation is an independent, pluralistic foundation EDITORS: Sabine Deboosere, Iadine Degryse CONTRIBUTORS: working in Belgium and at the European and international level. We are Anthony Fletcher, Liz Harrison, Debra Lodoen, Philippa Nuttall Jones, Erika Racquet, Cathy Verbyst PROOFING: Anne Bruwier, seeking to change society for the better, so we invest in inspiring projects Philippa Nuttall Jones, Greta Peirs DESIGN: PuPil PRINTING: and individuals. In 2017 we provided a total of €44 million in support to Bietlot ILLUSTRATIONS: Achim Kukulies, Düsseldorf (p.16b); Alzheimer-Europe – A. Forman (p.3b); C. Azevedo (p.17b); BX Art 2,559 organizations and individuals. The Foundation was set up in 1976, asbl (p.9); C/O Pictoright Amsterdam 2018 (p.17a); Collection on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of King Baudouin's reign. Fondazione Cariplo (Cover); E. Crooÿ (p.12); European Union - E. Ansotte (p.19); Fund Isaan (p.22a, p.22b, p.23); P. Hant (p.8-9); M. Kirubi (p.32b); Kookmet – Cultureghem (p.13); J. Lund (p.5); L. Lupi (p.16c); H. Maertens (p.32a); Melis (p.20); F. Toussaint (p.2, p.3a, p.4, p.6, p.8, p.16a, p.21); Unknown copyright (p. 28-29); E. van der Elsken (p.31); Yingchou Han on Unsplash Follow us on (p.14); Z. Zaitseva (p.7). 2 DOSSIER: YOUR HEALTH

Living with dementia in Europe According to Alzheimer Europe there are 8.7 million people living with dementia in the European Union, and this figure is expected to grow due to an aging population. The European Foundations’ Initiative on Dementia (EFID), “ I try to bring a positive involves seven foundations across Europe including the King message that there is a Baudouin Foundation. The initiative supports community-based life to be lived after a Alzheimer diagnosis.” approaches to address challenges linked to dementia, and seeks to build up networks. There is now a community of 32 actors in HELEN ROCHFORD-BRENNAN, European Working Group Europe working together to build a dementia-friendly future. of People with Dementia

We spoke with Helen Rochford- a death sentence, and supported Alzheimer’s. I intend to carry on Brennan from the European Working me in telling my family and friends. working as global dementia ambas- Group of People with Dementia After coming to terms with my con- sador for as long as I can.” about the need to reduce the stigma dition, I got involved with research, attached to dementia and achieve a which led me to the newly formed How can attitudes more inclusive Europe. Irish Dementia Working Group. be changed? Shortly afterwards I became the first “The best way is to be visible and to How did you get involved Chair of the group and my quest for talk about the illness. My friends with in dementia advocacy? the rights of people with dementia other conditions, such as Multiple Helen Rochford-Brennan: “When I began.” sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s, are was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, fully integrated into their communi- there were no services for me. There How can one make ties. This is the world I want to live in. was also a great deal of stigma. a difference? I try to bring a positive message I wish someone had been there “By educating the next genera- that there is a life to be lived after to tell me that Alzheimer’s is not tion about what it’s like to live with diagnosis.”

ABOUT EFID The European Foundations’ Initiative on Dementia (EFID) is a collaboration platform initiated in 2010 by a group of European foundations. Today, EFID comprises the Atlantic Philanthropies (IE), the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer (FR), the King Baudouin Foundation (BE), the Robert Bosch Stiftung (DE), and the Genio Trust (IE). The initiative is coordinated by the Network of European Foundations (NEF).

From 2011 to 2015, a total of €265,000 was awarded to 20 projects in 10 countries. Another 12 organizations – including Het Ventiel from Belgium – were recognized at a ceremony beginning 2018 in Sofia.

Read and download KBF’s impact report "I’m still me.” Ten years’ working together to create a dementia- friendly society’ for free on www.kbs-frb.be

MORE INFO? www.efid.info • www.nef-europe.org 3 Setting the agenda on health Health and biomedical research agendas are often determined without the input of patients or care givers, which begs the question of whether medical investment is really focused on the most critical areas. To address this, the King Baudouin Foundation recently launched three priority setting pilot projects to assess whether researchers and other stakeholders can arrive at a consensus on the best way forward.

Researchers and academics, to grow in certain organs. In each to identify priorities; they also pro- patients and care givers were case, these multi-stakeholder vide an opportunity for each side to brought together in an inclusive exercises demonstrated how high- explain exactly why a certain issue is consultative process designed priority research questions that important to them. to achieve consensus on critical require action can be effectively research priorities. The pilots, discussed and identified. “I attended a KBF-organized work- supported by the KBF Mind the Gap! shop in 2015 on evaluating multi- project, addressed three topics: Tuberous sclerosis complex stakeholder priority setting and this going back to work after a period Professor Anna Jansen from was an eye-opening experience for of incapacity; the use of biobanks University Hospital Brussels, who me,” she says. “I recognized that for research on non-alcoholic liver was involved in the TSC pilot, says this methodology, which has not diseases; and Tuberous Sclerosis that a key advantage of multi-stake- been applied to TSC before, could Complex (TSC), a rare genetic holder dialogues is that they not only really benefit patients and medical disease that causes benign tumors enable patients and professionals professionals.”

4 DOSSIER: YOUR HEALTH

“We felt that there were a number often experience in relation to this society deals with the disease. of aspects related to quality of life disease,” explains Eva Schoeters, “These priorities were more promi- issues that have perhaps not been President of be-TSC and the face nent than might have been antici- as well researched as medical of this patient organization for this pated at the start of this exercise,” issues,” she says. “There was an pilot project. she says. imbalance between what is impor- tant for patients and what is impor- “Our hope is that the outcome of this Next steps tant for researchers. This initiative exercise in priority setting will have A KBF report is being produced on was an opportunity for each side a real impact on decisions made the methodology for priority setting to explain where they were coming by researchers. If everything goes by multi-stakeholder dialogue and the from.” well, the real work is now only just lessons learned. This can serve as a beginning, based on this excellent source of inspiration for people wish- Recognizing priorities guideline: research should be able ing to carry out similar exercises in any Medical professionals and patients to answer the questions that are area of health research. came up with a lot of research ques- a priority for every person who is tions – Jansen estimates around 30 affected by TSC, whether personally to 40 from each side – in prepara- or professionally.” “ We felt that there were a tion for the final consensus meet- ing. These questions were then Anna Jansen notes that from number of aspects related prioritized and a final list of 15 TSC the final list of 15 priorities, there to quality of life issues that research priorities identified. are many that researchers would have perhaps not been as instantly recognize, such as pre- well researched as medical “Being heard in this way and having venting the disease and finding bet- issues.” an impact on a possible research ter pathways to treatment, but also ANNA JANSEN, agenda has helped to counter the a lot of questions that zoom into Professor from University feeling of powerlessness that people the organization of care and how Hospital Brussels

PRIORITY SETTING Multi-stakeholder dialogue for priority setting in health research is an inclusive, participatory, multi-actor process in which researchers, patients, members of the public, but also caregiv- ers (informal and formal), gov- ernmental representatives, and funders, work together to pri- oritize, plan, conduct and dis- seminate research. Effective and targeted health research means making good use of finite resources while delivering solu- tions to those in need.

MORE INFO? Reports from the KBF Mind the gap! projects are now available, as is an overarching methodological report: NASH and Biobanks, Work incapacity, TSC, Methodological report. You can read or download them for free on www.kbs-frb.be 5 Funding common knowledge for rare diseases Within the European Union, some 30 million patients live with a known rare disease. 80% of these diseases have a genetic origin and 75% of those affected are children or young people. Yet, in general, these diseases remain a subject of great ignorance. The King Baudouin Foundation is helping to change this and to turn Belgium into an international centre for research into rare diseases.

Being the mother or father of a quences for our whole body, such because you then build all sorts rare disease sufferer is hard work as cardiovascular attacks, ophthal- of hypotheses,” says Ludivine. and often heart-breaking. But as mologic effects and problems of “Once the illness has been identi- Ludivine Verboogen, whose son the skeleton,” explains Ludivine. fied, you can develop an action suffers from Marfan’s syndrome, plan, and there’s something reas- says, the worst part is not knowing Action plan suring about that.” why your child is suffering and not Her son, Aurélien, was diagnosed knowing what you can do to help. with the illness when he was 10 Ludivine and her husband began months old. As the mother of two to immerse themselves in the Marfan’s syndrome is a rare dis- other children, Ludivine knew that study of this disease and in genet- ease caused by the alteration of a something was not right, but the ics in general. This led to them to gene, which interferes with the pro- opinions of various doctors were set up the 101 Genomes Fund, co- duction of fibrillin, a protein that is all different until it was discovered managed by the King Baudouin essential to the body’s connective that Aurélien had a heart murmur Foundation and Fondation 101 tissues, which function as a ‘glue,’ and the decision taken to do more Génomes, whose objective is to binding everything in the body in-depth genetic tests. The diagno- provide a bioinformatics tool to together. “When the connective sis was a shock, but also a relief. help scientists studying Marfan’s tissue is affected there are conse- “The worst thing is not knowing syndrome.

6 DOSSIER: YOUR HEALTH

“The basic idea is to offer scientists access to genomic data that can be obtained thanks to new generation sequencers,” explains Aurélien’s father Romain Alderweireldt. “Our objective is to make available a cross-linked database containing the genomic and phenotypic data of people – 101 to begin with – with the syndrome. We hope that such a tool will improve understanding of the illness by identifying active protective genes in certain patients. From then on, it should be possible to develop medicines that replicate their beneficial effects.” of specialists and follows a number heart, his back and probably also Poor diagnosis of treatments. “He also wears a his eyes. Medicine has made huge Today, Aurélien is two and a half. special corset to try to limit the advances and we hope that it will He’s a little boy almost like any progress of his scoliosis and does have developed even more by other, funny, who likes playing with everything at his own pace,” says the time Aurélien has to undergo his friends and adores having bed- Ludivine. “He’s developing well surgery.” time stories read to him. Of course, given the disease and at this point, he is regularly monitored by a series happily, Marfan’s syndrome isn’t Aurélien was diagnosed with the painful for him.” disease early, but many sufferers are never properly diagnosed and She explains: “The illness affects are unaware of the risk of a ruptured people very differently, even within aorta, with dramatic results. Indeed, families carrying the hereditary the lack of knowledge surround- form. We have met adults with ing many rare diseases frequently Marfan’s, who lead a relatively nor- means that a correct diagnosis is mal life, while it can become quite not given or is given too late. In other complicated for others. We know cases, there is no adequate treat- that, sooner or later, Aurélien will ment or patients do not have access have to have an operation on his to the treatments that exist.

“ Our objective is to make THE GENERET FUND available a cross-linked Most recently, the Foundation began to manage the Generet Fund, database containing the which aims to make Belgium an international centre for research into genomic and phenotypic rare diseases and has allocated an annual prize of €500,000 to be data of people – 101 to awarded to a leading scientist working on a rare disease of their choice. begin with – with Marfan’s syndrome.” The Generet Fund is joining over 80 other Funds devoted to medi- cal research and managed by the King Baudouin Foundation. LUDIVINE VERBOOGEN and ROMAIN ALDERWEIRELDT, In 2017, 34 of these Funds together contributed more than €4 million parents of 2.5 year old Aurélien in support of medical research.

MORE INFO? Rare diseases: www.kbs-frb.be 101 Genomes Fund: www.f101g.org 7 Giving Brussels' citizens a voice BruVoices, an initiative managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, with support from the Brussels-Capital Region, has placed the inhabitants of Brussels at the very center by asking them directly what they think of their city and how they perceive social cohesion. When citizens spoke about Brussels they generally mentioned its multicultural and international character – but also more negative images such as disorganization and traffic congestion.

The BruVoices initiative was born The second phase was an opinion following the terrorist attacks of 22 survey of 526 face-to-face interviews March, 2016. Its objective is to evalu- with (other) respondents from the ate the impact of these events on the Brussels-Capital Region. The image people of Brussels and their experi- that emerged from the research was ence of living together in their city. of a positive, though nuanced, vision The project aims to strengthen the of Brussels. resilience of the European capital so that it is better able to confront and “In my view, this kind of citizen-focused recover from violent traumas such as research allows us to gain access to the March attacks. voices that often remain unheard - especially in the context of this particu- Listening to citizens lar research,” says Dr. Leen Van Brussel In the first phase of the project, 51 from the Free University of Brussels focus groups were conducted in which (VUB), who was involved in the first 500 inhabitants representing the diver- consultation phase together with col- sity of Brussels talked about their city. leagues from Metrolab Brussels (UCL).

8 Leen Van Brussel also found that engag- took place within a convivial atmos- ensuring that the hopes and wishes of Giving Brussels' citizens ing in dialogue enabled the researchers phere, touching upon issues as diverse citizens that make the city their home to go further than merely ‘listing’ argu- as neighborhood relations, solidarity, could be heard. a voice ments. “It allowed us to gain valuable security in public spaces, cleanliness insights into the values and visions that and confidence in government and Next steps people have when they talk about living public institutions. All participants The ideas gathered during the in Brussels,” she said. shared an affinity for Brussels and Assembly will now be used to com- acknowledged both the beautiful and plete the research. Final results will be Citizens’ Assembly less beautiful aspects of their city. presented to the Brussels Parliament At the Citizens’ Assembly on 17 March, in June 2018, reaching the decision some 150 citizens discussed the While participants felt involved in makers responsible for the future future of their city and shared ideas their city, they did not always feel that direction of the city. The final report will about how social cohesion could be they were listened to. The Citizens’ also be available on the KBF’s website strengthened. Exchanges of views Assembly was an effective way of as of June 2018.

INSPIRED BY OTHER CITIES

MAKING PARIS INTO A TAKING INSPIRATION FROM RESILIENT CITY 14 VERY DIFFERENT CITIES Sébastien Maire, Chief Resilience Officer in Paris, The Divercities project assessed 14 cities try- France, leads a program aimed at strengthening ing to improve social cohesion. The common social cohesion, solidarity and social connections thread linking all these cities is their economic, to help people be better prepared to face major ethnic, educational and demographic diversity. problems. Key to this is encouraging neighbors The Divercities research team formulated six to keep an eye out for one another and develop- recommendations designed to improve social ing new places for residents to meet, says Maire. cohesion. These were: not underestimating Though he admits that this is a challenge in a ‘soft measures’, establishing pleasant spaces densely populated city and where, since the 2015 for meetings, focusing on groups that don’t terrorist attacks, the authorities have preferred to tend to get involved in local activities, spread- restrict gatherings of people in public spaces. ing the responsibility for managing diversity, tapping into open minded young people, and Paris is one of 100 cities supported by the investing in quality of life. 100 Resilient Cities programme, created by the Rockefeller Foundation.

More info? More info? www.100resilientcities.org www.urbandivercities.eu

MORE INFO? www.kbs-frb.be/en/bruvoices 9 “ Delivering a business plan together with concrete recommendations gave me great confidence in my own abilities.”

MARIEKE VAN ROOSBROECK

Exporting young Belgian business talent

The Prince Albert Fund “I met various alumni and I felt that recommendations really gave me (PAF) gives young ambitious PAF would give me the chance to great confidence in my own abili- find a challenging company as well ties.” professionals the opportunity as a business development project to manage a project for that would be right for me,” explains Getting inspired a Belgian company outside Marieke Van Roosbroeck. She found After her year in Singapore, Europe for one year. her ideal project with Cartamundi, Van Roosbroeck moved back to Two laureates – Gauthier a global playing cards and games London. She believes that her PAF manufacturer, in Singapore. Her experience has not only given her Meessen and Marieke Van tasks included conducting an inten- lifelong skills and experiences, Roosbroeck – explain how sive market survey and from this, but also opened up opportunities the experience has benefited developing a business plan that in the kind of strategic business them both professionally would allow the board to make a development roles that interested significant business decision. her. “I’m excited by start-ups, and and personally. have joined a company here in “While I was familiar with the quali- London that is pioneering artificial tative research side of things, the intelligence for customer service quantitative analysis, forecasting and support,” she explains. and strategic planning put me com- pletely out of my comfort zone,” she “I love working in this kind of high says. “Delivering a concrete busi- growth international environment, ness plan together with concrete where taking the initiative is often

10 Prince Albert Fund Alumni WHAT IS PAF? The Prince Albert Fund (PAF) helps talented young professionals discover and develop their true internationalPrins leadership Albert potential.Fonds Selected participants are given the opportunity to manage beheerd door de Koning Boudewijnstichting a 12-month business project for a Belgian company outside Europe. Over the last 33 years 420 young Belgian professionals have been able to develop skills and gain invaluable experience in international business. The Prince Albert Fund was set up in 1984 by the FederationFo ndsof Enterprises Prince Albertin Belgium (VBO-FEB) and the King Baudouin Foundation to mark géré par la Fondation roi Baudouin the 50th birthday of Prince Albert.

Prince Albert Fund

the key to achieving progression. I would urge anyone applying for the PAF to use this opportunity to present yourself to companies that really inspire you.”

For Gauthier Meessen, the experi- ence was truly transformative. After completing his PAF assignment with global biopharmaceutical company UCB in Shanghai, China in October 2017, he was offered a job by the company and decided to stay on. “My experience at UCB was a great learning journey, and I am very grateful that it will continue,” he says. “I’ve been given the opportu- nity to keep working on new prod- “ I can state without any doubt that this assignment uct launches here.” served as a clear stepping stone to accelerate my career.” Market expertise As a project manager, Meessen’s GAUTHIER MEESSEN role was, and indeed still is, to coor- dinate the launch preparation of a piece of cake,” he says. “First term, I would like to keep working new neurology products in China. you need to establish a network.” on strategic, marketing or business He coordinates different work- Meessen found that it was after development assignments; and in streams preparing for market entry, he met different team members the long-term I would like to pursue and ensures that the company is face-to-face, and spent informal opportunities in general manage- fully prepared for the day when final time together, that collaborations ment.” market authorization is granted by became much more productive the Chinese authorities. and efficient. The opportunity with PAF was the right thing to do, at the right Experience abroad Stepping stone time. “It offered me the right Having successfully navigated The experience has enabled platform to push my boundaries the selection process and been Meessen to sharpen his manage- and challenge myself,” he adds. selected for the assignment with ment skills and further develop his “I can state without any doubt UCB in Shanghai, Meessen next had business acumen. “I now feel fully that this assignment served as a to adapt to working life in China. equipped for the future and eager clear stepping stone to accelerate “Working in China is not always to learn more,” he says. “In the mid- my career.”

MORE INFO? www.princealbertfund.be Read the stories of Marieke Van Roosbroeck and Gauthier Meessen on www.kbs-frb.be 2111 “ It is magnificent to see people from all walks of life working side by side. It is one of the things I love about this project.”

EVA DE BAERDEMAEKER, Coordinator of the 'KOOKMET’ project

Refugees: the right ingredients for social integration When Belgium was facing a significant influx of refugees in 2015, a number of citizens’ initiatives and locally organized projects began to emerge. KBF decided to make medium- and long-term commitments to welcome and integrate refugees into the fabric of Belgian society and made €4 million available over a three-year period to encourage solidarity.

One of the methods used, were (Cooking Together) project shows that a way of thinking about how the Abattoir three project calls under the theme the simplest ideas are often the most in Anderlecht – a huge privately-owned ‘Meeting is key!’. In 2015, 40 pro- effective. By providing residents and market square that covers some jects were selected, in 2016 37 and new arrivals to Brussels with the space 40, 000 square meters in a borough in in 2017 36. Each project received and means to meet, cook and eat the north of the city – could be turned between 3,000 and 10,000 euros. together, new friendships have been into a public space. “The market is not One of projects that benefited formed, trust built up and a sense of in use Mondays to Thursdays,” explains from KBF support is KOOKMET. community created. The KOOKMET Eva De Baerdemaeker, Coordinator of The success of the KOOKMET project was launched four years ago as the KOOKMET project. “We thought

12 that the best way of finding out what is turned into KETMET, the largest Spain. “We really don’t know where this this facility could be used for would covered play zone in Brussels.” will go next, but we certainly don’t feel be to ask people on market days that we’ve reached our full potential what the neighbourhood really needs. Flagship project yet,” says De Baerdemaeker. Over 100,000 people visit the market During market days, meanwhile, every week.” KOOKMET continues to bring peo- Social inclusion ple together. “We found that cooking A key strength of KOOKMET is Neighborhood needs is so much more than just a tool for its informality and ability to To achieve this, Cultureghem, the interacting,” says De Baerdemaeker. include people, whatever their NGO behind KOOKMET, built a small “People want to know about food language or social background. mobile kitchen and invited people and new arrivals to the city want A newly arrived refugee, for exam- visiting the market stalls to come to know how they can eat cheaply ple, might approach the mobile and cook, eat and discuss issues and healthily. We really didn’t expect kitchen with a question about where together. It emerged that what many KOOKMET to become the flagship to find cheap produce and end up local people wanted was a clean, project for our organization, but it becoming a volunteer. “Joining our safe environment for children to play. has proved to be hugely successful.” team means they become part “A key advantage is that everyone in of this crazy family and we are the neighbourhood knows where the A Cultureghem team recently visited able to perhaps discover their Abattoir is, so getting there is not an Uruguay to launch a similar project talents or put them in touch issue,” says De Baerdemaeker. “Now and there are plans to roll the concept with other organizations that can help every Wednesday, the market space out in Glasgow, Scotland and Madrid, them out,” says De Baerdemaeker.

GRASSROOTS IMPACT An evaluation of 36 selected projects shows that some 7,000 refugees and 15,000 citizens in total were indirectly reached. Having an impact on the quality of life of refugees and promot- ing contact between newcomers and citizens were highlighted as the most important results. A large majority of organizations that received support said that they worked mainly with male newcomers, while only one in 10 developed specific approaches for women. Many projects were strongly focused on young people. 80% said that they reached minors, while around 30% had developed a specific methodology for involving young people.

MORE INFO? Read the story of KOOKMET on www.kbs-frb.be 13 A study conducted at the request of the King Baudouin Foundation has painted a nuanced and intimate portrait of people of African descent in Belgium. Research such as this, believes the KBF, makes data about certain groups come alive by talking about real people. This is necessary to nourish a more informed debate about the particular challenges of integration concerning people with immigrant backgrounds.

14 Belgian citizens with African roots

The report, entitled ‘Citizens with What for you have The findings enable us to compare African Roots: a portrait of Belgo- been the key findings? the situation with Belgo-Moroccans Congolese, Belgo-Rwandans and “For me there are three key findings. and Belgo-Turks, who were ques- Belgo-Burundians’, was led by a First, the target population is both tioned in a similar study by KBF in consortium of three universities more educated and more discrimi- 2015. Studies like these help us all (ULg, UCL and VUB). The findings are nated than commonly perceived. to better identify problems that are based on the responses of 805 peo- Secondly, there is a duty to remem- almost never talked about.” ple across Belgium’s three regions. ber the past and to teach the history of colonization in schools that has Chantal Kamatari, member of not been met. And thirdly there are the Reading Committee for the nuances within the three groups of research, discusses the report’s the target population.” findings and discoveries. Were you surprised by Why is this research unique? any of the findings? Chantal Kamatari: “This is not just a “Not really. I have discussed the study of Afro-descendants, it is the results of the study with other first study on a particular category African professionals. One of them of Afro-descendants: Belgians from told me that they have been more Burundi, the Democratic Republic or less saying the same thing for 15 of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. years or so. It is a good thing that a Moreover, 2015-2024 has been multi-university study gives weight proclaimed the decade of people of to these observations.” African descent by the UN because this is a group whose human rights What is the value of need to be promoted and protected. conducting studies like this? “ Studies like these help us I agreed to be on the review team “This study draws an objective all to better identify because I was not only interested in picture of the situation of Afro- problems that are almost the study, but I also thought that my descendants in Belgium. Apart views would be valuable given my from benefiting public authorities in never talked about.” origins (Burundian, Rwandan and terms of policy making, it is useful CHANTAL KAMATARI, Congolese).” in raising citizen awareness. member of the Reading Committee

REPORT FINDINGS Belgo-Congolese, Belgo-Rwandans and Belgo- The study also shows that almost 80% of respond- Burundians are the third most important group in ents have experienced discrimination, unequal Belgium with an immigrant background from out- treatment or racial abuse. This affects many dif- side the EU, accounting for some 110,000 people. ferent areas of life: employment, housing, public Belgo-Congolese, Belgo-Rwandans and Belgo- spaces and contact with institutions, for example. Burundians characteristically have a high level of education, more than 60% of them have a higher Of the total, 61% say they feel that they are education degree, but are four times more likely Belgians, and 81% feel they are perceived as for- to be unemployed than the national average. More eigners. However, the second-generation feels that than half of those questioned have a job that is they are perceived less as foreigners and that they below their level of education. belong in Belgium more than their elders.

MORE INFO? Read and download the Zoom ‘Research among Belgo-Congolese, Belgo-Rwandans and Belgo-Burundians: a nuanced portrait of fellow citizens with African roots‘ for free on www.kbs-frb.be 15 Cultural value and foundations

Many people associate the work of European foundations with social good and supporting the work of civil society. However, many foundations have a clear focus on conserving and protecting heritage and making it accessible to the general public. The King Baudouin Foundation in the framework of the European Foundation Centre AGA, will host an exhibition as part of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage.

“The work of foundations related these events that will take place Valuable culture to culture and heritage is generally during Philanthropy Week at the end Culture is about shared experiences, not well known,” says Luc Tayart de of May 2018, and will include the bringing different people together to Borms, Managing Director of the exhibition ‘From Tiepolo to Richter, share a common interest. Culture cre- King Baudouin Foundation. “The European dialogue’, topical sessions ates personal connections – to socie- European Year of Cultural Heritage and thought-provoking site visits in ties, communities, identities and, most and the events planned are impor- Brussels, Belgium. The week will importantly, to other people. It can tant to showcase this fact to the dif- allow visitors to enter an exciting be passed on visually or orally from ferent publics in Brussels, including world of culture – artistic, linguistic one generation to the next. As such, policymakers.” and architectural. our cultural heritage is a bridge from where we have come from to where He added: “At the EFC, and at the we are going, a legacy we don’t own King Baudouin Foundation, we but rather borrow from future genera- believe that foundations can suc- tions. This is where the unique nature cessfully follow a plurality of mod- of philanthropy has a major role to els that benefit society, including play, to ensure that culture is both an support to civil society, cultural and asset to be enjoyed in the now and a heritage initiatives.” legacy to be appreciated in the future.

Philanthropy Week In short, culture matters. The EFC’s 29th annual general meeting will be the cornerstone of

E. L. Kirchner

Brussels is the ideal place to host such an event being synonymous “ We believe that foundations with diversity. The city has a popula- can successfully follow a tion of 1.2 million inhabitants spread plurality of models that across 19 municipalities and around benefit society, including 65% of the Brussels residents has support to civil society, Belgian nationality. People come to cultural and heritage the Belgian capital from all corners initiatives.” of Europe to work in or around the European institutions – namely LUC TAYART DE BORMS, the Commission, Parliament and Maestro di San Davino Managing Director of KBF Council of Ministers.

16 MORE INFO?

From Tiepolo to Richter, European dialogue: from May 24 to September 30, 2018 at the Art & History Museum, in the center of Brussels.

A variety of works is being exhibited from artists including Auguste Rodin, Jacob Jordaens, and Albrecht Dürer, Gerhard Richter and Léon Spilliaert.

An initiative of the King Baudouin Foundation, in collaboration with Fondazione Cariplo, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, the Finnish Cultural Foundation, Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lucca, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca, Fundação Oriente, the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Olbricht Foundation, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Pro Artibus Foundation, Saastamoinen Foundation, Svenska Kulturfonden and Vereniging Rembrandt. A. Rodin

MORE INFO? www.efc.be www.heritage-kbf.be 2117 A plan to re-energise Europe

After years of multiple crises, a window of opportunity has emerged for Europe to re-energise itself. This is the key message from the latest New Pact for Europe (NPE) report, an initiative part-founded and steered by the King Baudouin Foundation. Janis Emmanouilidis, author of the report and Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre in Brussels, explains why and how Europe must act now.

This third NPE report, entitled therefore take immediate action to The importance of such an agree- ‘Re-energising Europe - A package guarantee a stronger, more united ment is clear, with Commission deal for the EU27’ and published in Europe that is better-equipped to President Jean-Claude Juncker November 2017, is the culmination face its future. This, says the report, commenting that: “Only a wise of five years of work. It argues that should be an ambitious but realis- reflection can re-energise Europe. now is the time, given a new sense of tic “comprehensive win-win agree- I am confident that the NPE initiative optimism, for an ambitious but real- ment” that covers economic, social, will greatly contribute to this.” istic win-win package deal that coun- migration and security issues. ters the danger of a more regressive, The package deal illiberal and authoritarian Europe. To push this agenda forward, the Emmanouilidis identifies the The report has been the focal point NPE sets out such a vision that con- security dimension as possible of discussions at the highest levels centrates on the immediate future, grounds for an overall compromise. of European politics, as well as with suggesting pragmatic compro- Agreement here could form the citizens around Europe. mises that could result in tangible basis for a new package deal that progress within the framework of also covers economic and social Time for action the EU treaties, while establishing progress as well as migration. “The populist phenomenon is a a balance between the interests, Widespread support for deeper result of underlying challenges fears and aspirations of member internal and external security coop- that we have still been unable to states. This means putting forward eration, the report argues, is espe- cope with,” says Emmanouilidis. proposals that balance economic cially evident in defense coopera- “While the overall picture is positive, responsibility and solidarity, secu- tion and the fight against terrorism. Europe is still not properly equipped rity and solidarity, national sover- The deal also calls for the stability to deal with future crises, should eignty and integration, as well as of the euro to be secured, sustaina- they arise.” Political leaders must growth and cohesion. ble growth to be prioritized and the

THE NEW PACT FOR EUROPE The objective of The New Pact for the Open Estonia Foundation, the BMW • Populism was defeated at the Europe initiative is to restore confidence Herbert Quandt Foundation and the polls: In France, centrist Emmanuel in the EU through national and Network of European Foundations. Macron won a landslide victory transnational dialogue and to develop in May 2017 against the far-right a common basis for the future of the ‘Re-energising Europe - A package deal candidate Marine Le Pen. EU. Launched in 2013, it is managed for the EU27’ is the NPE’s third report. • Most citizens in the EU – 55% by the King Baudouin Foundation, The report identifies a window of according to a Pew poll – see Brexit the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the Open opportunity for Europe: as bad for the UK. Society Initiative for Europe and the • Growth rates in the EU27 (1.9% in • 54% of EU citizens support more European Policy Centre (EPC). The 2016) are higher than in previous political and economic integration. initiative benefits from support from years and higher than in the US (1.6% • 80% of EU citizens support a more the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in 2016). active role of the EU in world affairs.

18 process of economic convergence others.” He adds: “We note the need scheduled for May 31 in Brussels. “We to be rebooted, while strengthening to compromise between different all have a stake in our shared future solidarity. With respect to migration, views in each of these dimensions.” and every voice must be heard and the package deal calls for a balance listened to if we are to build an ambi- to be struck between security and Moving forward tious and forward-looking Union,” said solidarity concerns to enhance the A key strength of the report is that it Juncker, who will participate in the notion of a ‘protective Europe’ while is based on dialogue and discussion final event. avoiding the pitfalls of a ‘fortress at every level of society, and that its Europe’. findings are designed to be pragmatic Emmanouilidis also notes that the and usable. The report has been June European Council (when the “We feel that the report is realistic,” presented and discussed with both heads of member state govern- says Emmanouilidis. “It is not call- President of the European Council, ments meet) will discuss many of ing for massive treaty reform, and it Donald Tusk and President of the the issues it highlights and could be is not about creating a core Europe, European Commission, Jean-Claude the opportune moment for Europe where a closed group of member Juncker, and events have been held to start mapping out how it will states are distinguished from the in 12 member states. A final event is move forwards.

“ Only a wise reflection can re-energise Europe. I am confident that the NPE initiative will greatly contribute to this.”

Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

On 9 March 2018, Herman Van Rompuy and Janis A. Emmanouilidis met the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, to present and discuss the New Pact for Europe Report ‘Re-energising Europe: A package deal for the EU27’.

MORE INFO? Read or download the report ‘Re-energising Europe - A package deal for the EU27’ for free on www.newpactforeurope.eu 2119 In many countries in Eastern Europe, the rule of law is coming under pressure and even in Western Europe, traditionally a bastion of democracy, there are doubts in some quarters as to the benefits of democracy, at least in its current forms. Seventeen foundations aim to breathe new life into European democracy with the establishment of the Civitates Fund.

20 Breathing new life into democracy in Europe

Democracy is having an increasingly healthy environment for civil society promote activities to strengthen difficult time in Europe. In some EU and the quality of public discourse democracy and defend civil society. member states authoritarian, popu- in these times of digitalization, International workshops will be held list or anti-liberal governments are where social media in particular is to provide grantees with opportuni- interfering with the independent playing an ever-growing role in the ties to network and learn from oth- rule of law. These governments are dissemination of information, often ers. “We firmly believe in the vital muzzling civil society organizations at the expense of traditional media. role of civil society in a functioning and the independent media. All over Both areas are core features of a democracy and, through our grants, Europe warning lights are flashing healthy democracy. we want to uphold its right to access as voters turn their backs on main- resources to perform its role.” stream parties in favor of those on “We believe in European democ- the extremes of the political spec- racies where all citizens have the Public debate: trum. opportunity to access information, a complex problem make their voices heard, organ- The work that will be done on the Foundations like the King Baudouin ize, mobilize and engage fully in public debate is currently still tak- Foundation have significant experi- the democratic processes,” says ing shape. “This is a complex prob- ence in working to help strengthen Schäfers. “In order to participate lem,” says Schäfers. “The regulatory the fabric of democracy. They have however, people must be well- framework for the digital public long supported citizens’ organiza- informed and receive information space is still being created and civil tions and initiatives to promote that is of high quality.” Right now, the society organizations that are social cohesion. In the face of public debate has become impover- addressing this issue are undergo- increasing threats against democ- ished and polarized, with different ing rapid development. We must racy, therefore, these foundations camps battling each other online therefore support NGOs so that have no intention of remaining from their own media bubbles and they can play an active part in the on the sidelines. Setting up the with the distribution of manipulat- policy debate, but it is also impor- Civitates Fund, chaired by the King ing misinformation. tant to know exactly what is hap- Baudouin Foundation, is one of their pening before putting forward any responses. “We are part and parcel Making room for civil solutions.” of the European Union and it is our society: forging coalitions duty to react when its basic values “The context is different in each “ We believe in European are being questioned from within,” country and it is not the Fund’s task democracies where all explains Stefan Schäfers, Chair of to define the priorities for each civil citizens have the opportunity the Civitates Fund. society organization, they can do to access information, that themselves. We rather want make their voices heard, Joining forces to encourage them to pool their organize, mobilize Set up at the end of 2017, the Fund resources and expertise and enter brings together 17 foundations into coalitions, and we want to pro- and engage fully in the from Europe and the US to support vide structural support for that col- democratic processes.” democracy in general and pro-dem- laboration.” STEFAN SCHÄFERS, ocratic organizations in particular. Chair of the Civitates Fund As a collaborative philanthropic Organizations will be able to register initiative, the Civitates Fund aims for calls for projects. The first call, to strengthen civil society’s role scheduled for the first week of May in shaping vibrant open European 2018, will be aimed at reinforcing democracies that work for all. the capacity and general operations of these organizations. Financial For the first three years of the pro- support will also be offered to help ject, attention will be focused on increase and deepen the back- two areas. These will be ensuring a ing provided to coalitions that

MORE INFO? www.europe-kbf.eu 21 Helping young potential to flourish in Thailand

For the past decade, Fund Isaan has helped some of Thailand’s poorest children to realize their educational “ For the volunteers this potential. Focusing on the north-east region of the country, experience is a reality check.” the Fund – which is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation – supports projects through three key pillars: RONY WUYTJENS, founder of Fund Isaan installing computing facilities in schools; bringing over highly qualified volunteers to strengthen the provision of English teaching; and providing scholarships for bright pupils with limited financial means.

22 Three pillars Sem, who also comes from a poor An important backer is Fund 3AMB Fund Isaan covers the poorest region farming family in Surin province, for education and training – also man- of Thailand. Much of the work takes received a scholarship in 2012 aged by KBF – which provides edu- place in Surin province, which alone when he was 17 years old that ena- cational support to countries where it has around 286 secondary schools. bled him to finish high school and is most needed. Fund Isaan currently “We began by installing computers in study at Rajamangala University of has around 200 scholarship students classrooms, and noticed that the level Technology. He graduated in 2017 at different stages of their education, of English teaching was incredibly with a bachelor’s degree. A scholar- and Rony Wuytjens notes that more low,” explains founder Rony Wuytjens. ship enabled Key to complete high than 90% of those given a scholarship “So, we started carefully selecting school and go to study at university. go on to finish the subjects they have highly qualified candidates to support She graduated in 2017 and is now chosen to study. local teachers and improve the stand- employed as a translator for the ard of English instruction.” Royal Thai Navy. And Pop, who was also able to graduate thanks to a Fund Isaan works with blue chip com- Recognizing that many children were scholarship, is now a production panies such as Deloitte Belgium and simply unable to attend school due worker with Caterpillar’s Rayong Delaware Consulting, which send to economic or family circumstances Thailand Tractor (CRTT). “I am very highly qualified and extensively vet- led to the third key pillar. Fund Isaan proud of my job and what I have ted volunteers to Thailand for six- provides bright students at risk of achieved,” he says. week placements through their CSR dropping out because of financial rea- programs. Some 10 volunteers are sons a scholarship for the rest of their Help and support selected every year. “For the volunteers educational career. Ped for example For installing computers, Fund this experience is a reality check,” says comes from a family that at times Isaan works with Close the Gap, Wuytjens. “The experience broadens struggled to make enough money an NGO that refurbishes old com- everyone’s horizons.” to buy food. A scholarship in 2011 pany computers and gives the enabled her to study Early Childhood equipment a second lease of life. Education. “I took the local bus to uni- As a result of the Isaan Fund, some versity every day,” she says. “Even this 25 secondary schools in Surin would not have been possible without province currently have computer the scholarship, let alone paying the classes up and running. tuition fees.” Ped successfully gradu- ated with a bachelor’s degree in edu- Funding for scholarships comes from cation specialized in early childhood a number of individuals and organiza- in 2015. tions.

Helping young potential FUND ISAAN AT A GLANCE Fund Isaan was established in 2008 to support the education of children in the Isaan region of Thailand. to flourish in Thailand The Fund is managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, and is an officially recognized foundation in Thailand under Thai law.

The Isaan region of Thailand, which covers 160,000 km2, is the poorest area of the country. The average per capita income is about $400 per year and 70% of the population is classified as poor. Most people in Isaan are farmers – about 85% – and many children from poorer families leave school after grade 6 (age 12) to work on the farms.

As a result of their situation, many young people are simply unable to fulfil their potential. Fund Isaan supports children with scholarships, computer classes and helps local teachers to raise the level of the English language courses.

MORE INFO? www.fund-isaan.org 23 Subscribe to our e-news Follow us on

2017 The King Baudouin Foundation in figures Working together for a better society

Koning Boudewijnstichting in cijfers Samen werkenKoning aan een betere BoudewijnstichtingKoning samenleving Boudewijnstichting in cijfers in cijfers Samen werkenSamen aan werkeneen betere aan samenleving een betere samenleving KoningKoning BoudewijnstichtingKoning BoudewijnstichtingKoning BoudewijnstichtingKoning Boudewijnstichting in cijfersBoudewijnstichting in cijfers in cijfers in cijfers in cijfers SamenSamen werkenSamen werken aan werkeneen aanSamen betere een aan werken beteresamenleving eenSamen betere samenleving aan werken een samenleving betere aan een samenleving betere samenleving = + + + = = Koning BoudewijnstichtingKoning BoudewijnstichtingKoning in Boudewijnstichtingcijfers in cijfers in cijfers Samen werkenKoning aanSamen een Boudewijnstichtingbetere werken samenleving aan een betere samenleving in cijfers Samen werken aan een betereSamen samenleving werken aan een betere samenleving + + + = += = = 273 2,286 €44,064,387 145 Individuals Organizations in support provided Calls for projects supported supported = NO + = + = + NO NO + = NO NO NO

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO 2,602 63NO 49,500 59,000 70 Experts in our (Free) Copies Views of KBF publications Partnerships with independent juries publications distributed on kbs-frb.be other organizations and committees and missions for government bodies

54 685 308 88 Events Active Funds set up by Project accounts bringing Employees individuals and businesses together financial (full-time equivalents) resources for local projects 24 Advocacy Strategic communication Financial support Raising awareness of specific Grants for individuals and organizations themes among policymakers Social investments

Promoting Creating philanthropy Mobilizing impact 'Via', not 'for' citizens the KBF Making citizens aware of specific themes to bring about change Research Bringing people together Gathering relevant Bringing stakeholders together facts and figures around societal themes

Who we are We work in partnership with other foundations The mission of the King Baudouin Foundation is to work and organizations, and we carry out missions for towards a better society. government bodies. We also encourage generosity through a number of philanthropic tools. The Foundation is an actor for change and innovation in Belgium and Europe, serving the public interest Where the budget comes from and social cohesion. It seeks to maximize its impact We are able to rely on four main sources of income: by strengthening the competencies of organizations - We take approximately 4% of the market value of the and individuals and encourages individuals and asset portfolio of our own capital (€11 million) companies to engage in effective philanthropy. - We take approximately 4% of the market value of the asset portfolios of the Funds that we manage The key values of the Foundation are integrity, (€34 million) transparency, pluralism, independence, respect for - There are also philanthropic initiatives (€20 million) diversity and promoting solidarity. - Each year we receive a grant from the National Lottery (€10 million) Its current areas of activity are poverty and social With an annual budget of €75 million in 2018, we are justice, philanthropy, health, civic engagement, the largest public benefit foundation in Belgium. developing talent, democracy, European integration, heritage and sustainable development. Who decides what The Board of Governors and Advisory Council outline What we do our key policies. The management and employees are We provide support to inspiring individuals and responsible for day-to-day activities. projects. We organize seminars, round-table discussions and exhibitions. The Foundation shares The King Baudouin Foundation would not be the knowledge and research results through our free Foundation without the hundreds of experts and publications. people with experience who work with us on a voluntary basis. In our steering groups, advisory committees, management committees and the independent juries for calls for projects.

King Baudouin Foundation, Rue Brederodestraat 21 B-1000 Brussels [email protected] +32-2-500 45 55 Donations made to our account: IBAN: BE10 0000 0000 0404 – BIC: BPOTBEB1 give rise to a tax reduction (see conditions at kbs-frb.be, under Centre for Philanthropy)

www.kbs-frb.be www.europe-kbf.eu www.africa-kbf.org 25

Koning Boudewijnstichting in cijfers Samen werken aan een betere samenleving

+ =

NO NO KBF CANADA KBF

“ My mother Madeleine Crab worked in various schools in Gembloux as a teacher. This Fund is a way of paying homage to her and honoring her memory.”

CLAUDE LE FLEM, founder

Generosity can take many forms. Claude Le Flem, a Belgian citizen who has lived in Quebec for almost 50 years has, with the support of KBF Canada, created a Fund that both honours the memory of his mother and provides support for youngsters at his former secondary school who wish to go on to further education, but lack the means to do so.

26 Generosity without frontiers

In homage to his mother to Canada where he continued internship in a company or putting Claude Le Flem was marked by his studies and finally became a them in touch with mentors working the early death of his mother, a Professor at the Université Laval in fields that interest them. “Giving teacher. He was 15 when she died (Quebec), and where he has stayed. money is good, but it’s not enough," and remembers how “well-loved It is therefore to help young people says Le Flem. she was by her family and by her who wish to study at university but pupils and their parents”. Madeleine lack the means to do so that the Listening, confidence, advice Crab worked in various schools Madeleine Crab Fund has been cre- To fulfil such an undertaking, Le Flem in Gembloux and “when she died, ated. “I remember my own vulnera- has relied on the help and expertise a civic procession was organized bility,” says Mr Le Flem, “and if I can of KBF Canada. “Our job is to be with local authority leaders present. help some youngsters in difficulty at our donors’ sides, helping them My mother was a public figure in by enabling them to study, then I tell achieve their ambitions and phil- Gembloux,” says Le Flem “so this myself that my own experience will anthropic wishes,” explains Benoît fund is a way of paying homage to have had done some good.” Fontaine, Director of KBF Canada. her and honoring her memory”. “We enable citizens (and organiza- More than just tions) based in Canada to support Studying, at all costs financial support individuals or projects in Europe. Claude Le Flem attended the With a budget of one million We provide them with a legal and Athénée Royal de Gembloux and so Canadian dollars, the Fund aims to financial framework, content exper- it seemed natural to him to support provide grants for pupils in their final tise and a vast international network young people there. His own story year at the Athénée. The Fund also and work capability. We develop was a decisive influence: “I come has a mission of sustainability: the a made-to-measure philanthropic from a humble background. My capital will remain untouched and approach that takes account of grandparents were manual workers only the interest will be taken out a client’s particular wishes.” and the little money they had was for use each year, so that over time, “Without the help of KBF Canada, spent on care for my mother. I had many more students can be helped. I would never have been able to a rather difficult time and this pre- realize this project,” concludes vented me from going to university.” The support provided, however, Mr Le Flem. The Athénée intends At least initially, because with deter- goes beyond financial help and, to symbolize this sentiment mination and courage Le Flem was takes various forms, such as through the planting of a tree eventually able to study languages enabling youngsters to take a (a maple of course!) and by at the Free University of Brussels language course during their installing a commemorative plaque (ULB). Afterwards he emmigrated holidays, helping them find an at the school.

KBF CANADA KBF CANADA works with individuals, families, corporations, and foun- dations, and helps them support their favorite causes anywhere in the world. We craft personalized solutions for one-time gifts or recurring donations. The way in which projects are carried out and donations are spent is tightly controlled and monitored, and is governed by two priorities: having a clear and concrete impact, measured by success KBF indicators, and minimizing management costs. CANADA

Facilitating thoughtful and effective giving

MORE INFO? www.kbfcanada.ca or contact us at +1 514 481 2000 or [email protected] 27 KBFUS

A legacy of sound The Fund that promotes excellence in music in Estonia

Award-winning television producer Ene Riisna’s love for music, her home country and her family led her to establish a legacy fund at KBFUS to support future generations of talented musicians and composers in Estonia.

Music has enormous significance in father procured several small boats A little help makes Estonia. “During the Soviet occupa- to help people leave,” Riisna says. a big difference tion, music was the glue that helped “One day we learnt that the Soviets These experiences shaped Riisna’s hold the country together,” says were looking for him. We managed to future. “People have extended a Riisna. Ultimately, it was the ‘Singing escape.” Nadia stayed because her hand to me all my life and I know Revolution,’ with various protests and husband had been seized and she the big impact of a little help.” acts of defiance, which led to the wouldn’t leave without him. restoration of the Baltic States’ inde- pendence in 1991. New beginnings “We steered our boat through stormy “I was born in 1938,” Riisna says. waters towards Sweden. The engine “My father Eduard was a lawyer and failed and the boat leaked. Luckily the member of parliament. He played Swedish coast guard was picking up the violin, my mother Olga played anyone they could find.” the piano. Their closest friend Nadia Roose, my ‘aunt,’ was their audience. “The Swedes were incredible,” Riisna It was a good life.” That changed in says. “They found work for my father, 1940 when the Soviet Union began got us an apartment and families its military occupation. Then, in took us into their homes for holidays.” 1941, Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union and invaded the Baltic When Riisna was 13 her parents territories. realized that they would not be able to return to Estonia, which was now In 1944, when the Soviet Union started behind the iron curtain, and moved to recapturing the Baltic States, “my Canada.

28 ENE RIISNA After earning an honors degree from the University of Toronto, Ene “Music was the glue Riisna worked briefly as a fashion model before becoming a televi- that helped hold the sion producer-director in Canada. She broke into network television in country together.” America in 1970 and became a top producer of 20/20 at ABC News. She is the recipient of more than a dozen major awards, including two ENE RIISNA Emmys and a Television Academy General Achievement Award. At 60 she married James Lloyd Greenfield, a former editor at The New York Times. Riisna and Greenfield live in New York, Connecticut and Mexico, and spend a part of every year in Estonia.

When Riisna returned to Estonia leading musicians from around the years, to support the causes they in 1980 she found Nadia, who world to play classical and contem- cherish or the organizations they love, brought Anu and Kadri Tali, twins porary music, with special attention to anywhere in Europe or Africa. who at 26 had founded the Nordic Estonian, Scandinavian and Russian Symphony Orchestra, into her life. composers.” “KBFUS has helped us fulfil our wish to open a legacy trust to “My husband and I have no children,” In order to make a lasting gift, the cou- be funded through a charitable Riisna says. “We have a trust that ple turned to KBFUS, which makes it bequest. KBFUS will also work with will give away money at the end of easy for donors to establish a legacy Anu and Kadri Tali to distribute fel- our lives to several causes, including fund that will make gifts in their name, lowships to talented young musi- to the orchestra. It brings together forever or for a specific number of cians and composers in Estonia.”

MORE INFO? www.kbfus.org 29

- founder JAN DE BONT, BONT, DE JAN Showing the van der Elsken collec- der Elsken Showing the van tion in the Rijksmuseum ensures peo- by that it will be appreciated the world. “Being all over ple from this work with others share able to de Bont. says is very satisfying,” thing.” “Giving back is a great The best way to donate to donate The best way KBFUS ago, of years couple A US help to ART KBFUS launched legal the cultural, donors navigate in involved complexities tax and donating art overseas. has been very“KBFUS helpful. can be com- Giving overseas issues. tax with especially plex, In the US, the government wants wants In the US, the government spend your know how you to it away giving are you why money, with gifts of whom. And and to com- artworks, more even get things KBFUS through but going plicated, take They those concerns. removes of all the issues immediately in care efficient and transpar a very clear, de Bont. says ent manner,” the donation, the mark To Rijksmuseum is planning an exhi- pho- prints by bition of 26 original from Elsken, der van Ed tographer 2018. 3 June to 8 March van der Elsken’s works, it is the

Rijksmuseum. Everyone there is so “ If any institution deserves to have dedicated and enthusiastic about art." From AmsterdamFrom to LA and back have wife his and Bont de Jan van their from 14 photos donated for KBFUS to collection der Elsken the Rijksmuseum and plan ulti- gift them all. mately to by inspired is he says Bont De the Rijksmuseum because “I had a lived and in Amsterdam time great right behind the museum. I used study and to its library go to to slip visited so often that I used to in the back door because the peo- know to got there who worked ple me. I learned so much there. education.” me an incredible It gave he still visits the museum He says time he is in Amsterdam. every I love and building the love “I the art.” Powerful images images Powerful ago, de Bont saw one years Several images framed Elsken’s der of van and started size under- in a larger to stand “how powerful and incredibly are”. emotional these photographs so full of He adds: “His images are was an almost There immediacy. closeness and intensity obsessive der Elsken with his subjects. Van as just making portraits; it’s wasn’t though he was partaking in the lives of the people he was photographing.”

Filmmaker Jan de Bont and his wife gifted 14 original prints by renowned Dutch photographer Dutch photographer renowned by prints original 14 gifted wife his and Bont de Jan Filmmaker Amsterdam. in the Rijksmuseum, can now be admired They KBFUS. to der Elsken van Ed

and for sharing it with the world sharing it and for A passion for photography A passion Street art artists of the One work he whose was that of ‘street acquire began to Elsken der van Ed photographer’ (1925-1990).The most important 20th century Dutch photographer, bold, for his is known Elsken der van and up-close-and- unconventional personal style and astute social De Bont met the pho- commentary. but he in Amsterdam, tographer start his work purchase to didn’t the US. “When I to until he moved collected nobody in Holland, lived der and back then van photography books, like only made photo Elsken of the photographers other many money make to needed who time their art.” from Today, de Bont, who is known for his de Bont, who is known for his Today, such as Speed blockbuster movies - dis Trish his and wife Twister, and than 400 photographs, more play artworks, many other as as well in their home. - direc Dutch-born cinematographer, Bont’s de Jan producer and tor passion for collecting photographs Los to began when he moved mostlyin 1976. “I had been Angeles buying paintingsNetherlands,” in the the to I relocated “But when says. he lot of atten- was a US, I found there tion on photography.” KBFUS 30 The King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS) is the leading resource for philanthropic giving to Europe and Africa – a trusted advisor for U.S. donors seeking to support their favorite causes and non-profits overseas. To learn more about our donor-advised funds, legacy funds and KBFUS ART, please visit www.kbfus.org. Or con- tact us at (212) 713-7660 or [email protected].

MORE INFO? www.kbfus.org 31 Et cetera... Philippe and Marcel Wolfers Collection Exceptional pieces of jewellery, sculptures, vases, The wonderful nature of this sketches and photos are just some of the items acquisition lies, of course, that the King Baudouin Foundation has acquired in the remarkable quality of in a superb collection of masterpieces created the works it contains, but also in the by Philippe Wolfers, a key figure in the Belgian collaboration that made it possible between Art Nouveau movement, and his son Marcel, the Royal Museums of Art and History, a sculptor and artist who painted on lacquer. the Wolfers family and the King Baudouin The collection includes some of the very best Foundation. pieces created by these two leading figures of the Wolfers Frères Company and which, More info? until now, have always remained in the family. www.heritage-kbf.be

Restoring African peasant farmers’ confidence Fighting poverty in Africa by starting from The ideas have been put into practice the point of view of peasant farmers, taking by ADISCO, a Burundian organization account of their motivations and valuing the that aims to develop the autonomy of opportunities offered by their environment, local farmers and build viable socio- this is the approach proposed by Deogratias economic models with them. ADISCO Niyonkuru in his new work ‘Pour la dignité was awarded the 2015 King Baudouin paysanne. Expériences et témoignages Prize for Development in Africa. d’Afrique, réflexions, pistes méthodologiques’ (In favour of dignity for the peasant farmer. More info? Experience and testimonies from Africa, www.africa-kbf.org click on thoughts, methodological approaches). Stories, then on ADISCO

KBF’s photo competition Individuals and organizations that received support from the Foundation were given the opportunity to take part in our photo competition. The challenge was to get people to show through an image how they are making a difference. An independent jury selected 16 photos from more than 750 entries and awarded €200 to each of the winners. More than 6,591 people then voted on KBF’s website and on Facebook for their favorite photos from the jury’s choices. The three submissions with the most public votes and the Facebook Favorite each received an additional €500.

More info? Have a look at the video on www.kbs-frb.be

The King Baudouin Foundation thanks the Belgian National Lottery and all other donors for their valued support.­ King Baudouin Foundation, rue Brederodestraat 21, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium