King BAUDOUIN foundation
An independent and pluralist foundation for the public interest
For 50 years, the King Baudouin Foundation has connected and supported people and organisations committed to a better society. Together with partners, experts and donors, we contribute to sustainable and positive change, in Belgium, Europe and beyond.
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1975-1976: The founding
The impetus
To mark the 25th anniversary of King Baudouin, a different kind of gift was imagined.
Not a monument, but a foundation, proposed at the end of 1975 by Prime Minister Leo Tindemans, as a lasting way to give back to society.
The idea was simple and ambitious at the same time: to turn shared values, service, solidarity and care for the most vulnerable into something tangible and lasting.
A forward looking vision
King Baudouin welcomed the proposal and clearly set out his vision.
He wanted a foundation that would be independent and pluralist, able to step back, take the long view, and act beyond divisions and short-term pressures.
While firmly rooted in Belgian society, his vision already extended beyond national borders, recognising the importance of solidarity at the European and international level.
The official start
The Foundation was officially established by royal decree on 29 December 1975 and began its activities on 31 March 1976.
- Initial endowment: 1 billion Belgian francs (approximately €25 million)
- Funding model: a national subscription involving citizens, companies and organisations, matched by the state budget
- Team: fewer than ten staff members
Timeline 1976 - 2026
1976
The King Baudouin Foundation is established
1980
First awarding of the Prix Roi Baudouin pour le Développement (today the KBF Africa Prize)
1988
Creation of the first philanthropic fund, linked to scientific research
1988
Start of the annual allocation from the National Lottery, providing flexible resources that since then have brought for various societal innovation projects
1989
Organisation of the first Heritage Days, initiated by the Foundation
1996
Creation of KBF United States (today Myriad USA)
2000
Creation of the Steunraad Antwerpen
2001
Creation of the West Flanders Community Fund (today integrated into the West Flanders hub)
2005
Inauguration of the BELvue Museum, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation
2014
Creation of the East Flanders Community Fund (today integrated into the East Flanders hub)
2017
Creation of KBF Canada (today Myriad Canada)
2020
Creation of the Bürgerfonds Ostbelgien (integrated into the German-speaking Community hub)
2021
Opening of the King Baudouin Foundation’s French office in Paris
2021
Creation of the Myriad Alliance for cross-border giving
2023
Creation of the philanthropic hub in Liège
2026
The King Baudouin Foundation celebrates 50 years of giving together
2026: The KBF today
Fifty years on, the King Baudouin Foundation has grown into a trusted cornerstone, firmly rooted in Belgian society and active internationally through partnerships such as the Myriad Alliance.
Collective impact
Today, the Foundation manages nearly 1 500 funds created by philanthropists who, each in their own way, dedicate time, knowledge and resources to addressing societal challenges close to their hearts.
Together with its volunteer experts and staff, the Foundation connects these annual resources, with projects and individuals who are actively making a difference on the ground.
Want to know more? Consult our snapshot here
Capital
Financial
€1.7 billion in capital and an annual budget of over €220 million
Heritage
A collection of more than 29 000 heritage works and 31 archival Funds, entrusted on long-term loan to over 100 museums and public institutions
Human
A team of nearly 200 staff members, supported by around 4 300 volunteer experts
Relational
Close collaboration with over 1 500 philanthropists and donors, and more than 5 000 supported organisations and people anually
2026
50 YEARS OF GIVING TOGETHER
What began nearly fifty years ago continues today.
In 2026, we celebrate everyone who has contributed to building a warmer and more caring society.
From philanthropists who support research into rare diseases, to volunteers in local sports clubs. From carers looking after a loved one, to the many small donors who contribute for a natural disaster far from home. From organisations offering new chances to young school drop-outs, to individuals who choose to pass on their private property as public good to future generations.
Together, these small and large acts of solidarity form a living network that continues to shape our society, close to home and across borders. Everyone can contribute, each in their own way, with their own talents and possibilities.
Fifty years on, we look to the future with hope and invite you to discover our initiatives throughout this anniversary year.
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For fifty years, the King Baudouin Foundation has acted as a bridge between generosity and lasting impact, and between individual commitment and collective solutions.In a polarised world, it shows that solidarity is a force that brings people together and opens new paths, today and for generations to come.
FOR A BETTER SOCIETY
King Baudouin Foundation