Press Release – 2019 Annual Report

The year 2019 was marked by cooperation and solidarity—both nationally and internationally—for the Fondation de Luxembourg. Serving as the 2019 Chair of Transnational Giving Europe (TGE) and as a newly appointed member of the Donors and Foundations Network Europe (DAFNE), the Fondation de Luxembourg contributed to giving new momentum to European philanthropy.

After 11 years of operation, with 87 foundations created and €220 million committed to philanthropic missions, 2019 was a year of intensified activity for the Fondation de Luxembourg and a strengthening of its international connections, particularly within the European philanthropic landscape.

The diversity of supported projects reflects the concerns and sentiments of today's society. With over €44 million distributed to projects since its creation, the goodwill of philanthropists to contribute to societal progress continues to grow. In 2019, there was a noticeable increase in interest for European projects, with 70% of the support dedicated to the continent.

Projects primarily focused on five main themes: poverty and social cohesion, universal education, health and research, culture and diversity, as well as biodiversity and climate change. “Although these are very different topics, they often share a common denominator: the transfer of skills and capacity building, which have the power to improve health and lift families out of poverty,” explains Tonika Hirdman, Director General of the Fondation de Luxembourg. One example is the Fondation Jos & Mimieke, which funds the training of local medical staff in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by volunteer European doctors, or the recently established Massvoll Stiftung, which supports children affected by conflict in Yemen and South Sudan. Closer to home, the Fondation Schleich-Lentz has committed to tackling the housing challenge in Luxembourg by providing student accommodation in Luxembourg City, while the Eduq Foundation combats school dropout rates.

Beyond the many supported projects, the Fondation de Luxembourg regularly organises round tables and various events, seeking to open the dialogue on philanthropy and act as a unifying force within the sector. The Foundation welcomed a large number of delegates from other public-benefit foundations to Luxembourg to launch the first-ever forum dedicated to local philanthropy in the Grand Duchy. As Henri Grethen, President of the Fondation de Luxembourg, states: “I am convinced that such a position will eventually lead to a global strengthening of the public-benefit foundation sector and subsequently to an even more philanthropy-friendly environment in Luxembourg.”

In 2019, the Fondation de Luxembourg had the honour of chairing Transnational Giving Europe (TGE) and hosted the annual gathering of key European philanthropic actors. This strengthening of European philanthropic cooperation also led to the drafting of the Philanthropy Manifesto, aimed at recognising philanthropy within EU legislation and promoting a common European philanthropic market.

The Covid-19 health crisis has further highlighted the essential role of philanthropy in funding projects that support vulnerable populations. Committed to acting as a bridge between philanthropists and charitable sector stakeholders, and to constantly strengthening its impact, the Fondation de Luxembourg is well equipped to meet the future needs of tomorrow’s world.