Why a foundation?
Ever since 1871, when Bank Degroof Petercam (DP) was founded, it has upheld a commitment to its clients and employees, but also to creating an all-inclusive society in which all people have a chance to thrive. Privilege comes with a responsibility to those who are at risk of being left behind.
The Degroof Petercam Foundation (DPF) was created with the intention of helping fellow citizens who are not in a position to do so themselves, take ownership over their lives and futures. We believe that it is not the size of our company that makes us great, but our humane values and expertise.
Where to play?
The Foundation is working with social entrepreneurs and innovators coming with solutions that benefit employment and the prosperity. Winning solutions are surfaced through a highly competitive 5-stage selection process:
- Nomination of candidates by a network of professional nominators
- Online preselection
- Remote due diligence
- Field visit
- Final selection by an independent jury
- Innovation: an outstanding solution with the potential to reach systemic change
- Geography: impact in Belgium, France and/or Luxembourg
- Scope: Skills, Entrepreneurship, Job accessibility
- Maturity: Project with a first proven impact and the ambition to scale-up
The change we want to see
- Skill-building: Develop skills that fit the needs of the labor market – before and during employment. Solutions include; customized and qualifying education, re-skill programs, experiential learning, co-created curricula, standards & certifications, lifelong learning.
- Fostering entrepreneurship: Stimulate entrepreneurship & self-employment as powerful levers for economic growth. Solutions include; vocational training, mentorship, collaboration & innovation support, promoting and upgrading the status of entrepreneurs, reducing social and financial risks.
- Bringing together talent and jobs: Strive for a more inclusive employment market by matching talents with market demands. Solutions include: career guidance, job search support, provision of job market information/closing of information gaps, (specialized) placement support, training, flexible working models.
Winner of DPF Award 2020
Bayes Impact is a French NGO that favors technology to tackle social issues. Among the various problems our society is struggling with, Bayes Impact focuses on facilitating access to employment. How? By means of its public service called "Bob", a free and open source tool relying on artificial intelligence and powerful algorithms to help people find a job in a personalized manner.
Winner of DPF Award 2019
DUO for a JOB pairs young job-seekers having a migrant background with experienced workers (50 years and older) who can assist them in finding a job. The non-profit organization serves both young people and potential counselors. It was founded in Brussels in 2013, and is now active in Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Liège. The objective of this partnership is to help the organization to expand its activities throughout Europe, starting in France.
