The King Baudouin Foundation, headquartered on Rue Brederode in central Brussels, is Belgium’s largest public utility foundation with a declared budget of 220.3 million euros in 2025. Founded in 1976 to mark King Baudouin I’s 25th year on the throne, the Foundation was created at the monarch’s behest as a lasting instrument to improve living conditions in Belgian society. It is governed independently and takes pride in reflecting societal pluralism in its board and operations.
As of 2024, the Foundation has supported 4,757 individuals and organisations, manages nearly 1,500 active funds, and launched 181 calls for projects in a single year. Its thematic scope is broad, covering social justice, health, heritage, education, environment, and cross-border philanthropy. The Foundation structures its approach through varied mechanisms: convening stakeholders for discussion, public advocacy, funding, and providing a tailored platform for philanthropic giving, both within Belgium and internationally via alliances like Myriad.
Concrete recent actions include aiding Ukrainian citizens and institutions affected by the war: 1.23 million euros was allocated for humanitarian aid via Caritas Ukraine, scholarships were funded for displaced researchers, and investment was made to help rebuild energy-efficient public infrastructure in the town of Borodianka. The Foundation also organises debates, publishes research and practical guides, and promotes solutions for complex social issues.
Today, the King Baudouin Foundation stands as a central figure in Belgian philanthropy—independent, pluralistic, and actively shaping responses to evolving societal challenges.