50 years of caring for one another immortalised on a postage stamp.

The King Baudouin Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Instead of a traditional celebration, it will be a year of reflection, connection and inspiration. bpost is marking this anniversary with a special philatelic issue of five stamps, each inspired by a different way of giving.

An open door

What makes the King Baudouin Foundation unique in the Belgian and international philanthropy landscape? According to Brieuc Van Damme, CEO King Baudouin Foundation:

"First of all: our accessibility. Our independent and pluralistic approach makes it easy for governments, administrations and civil society organisations to find their way to the King Baudouin Foundation. The same goes for both large and small donors and philanthropists, who always find an open door and respectful, friendly discretion."

Even in times of crisis, the foundation shows its agility. Thanks to their independent position, resources and staff expertise, they can respond agilely when it really counts. Such as during the floods in Wallonia, the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, or the hosting of Ukrainian refugees.

Stamps that connect

The impetus for the stamp issue came from an unexpected source.

"The nomination for an anniversary stamp came from philanthropist Patrick Maselis, an avid philatelist and president of the Steunraad West-Vlaanderen. Based on his involvement there, he nominated the King Baudouin Foundation and its 50th anniversary for a stamp issue."

For the design, bpost called on Trui Chielens, an artist from Poperinge with special ties to the foundation.

"A few years ago, Trui was just starting her career when she received a commission for De Muziekbank, a Streekfonds West-Vlaanderen project supported by the same Steunraad. A happy coincidence, or maybe just proof that giving really builds connections."

Five ways of giving on a postage stamp

Each postage stamp in the series shows a different way of giving. From the philanthropist who dedicates his resources to rare research (giving resources), to the volunteer at the sports club or the board member of a non-profit (giving time). From the caregiver taking care of her sister (giving care), to the non-profit association/organisation providing new opportunities to school leavers (giving opportunities), and the elderly lady who bequeaths her garden as a neighbourhood park for future generations (giving for tomorrow).

"The five postage stamps each show different ways of giving, but together they tell a unified story of connection. In this sense, they are more than a visual tribute to 50 years of the King Baudouin Foundation: they convey a universal message of how giving in all its forms, big or small, connects us. And that the best birthday gift for 2026 would be to have cared for one another more than ever."

In addition to the philatelic distribution, the postage stamps will also be available in all Belgian post offices, thus literally getting into the hands of people who might not yet be familiar with the Foundation's mission and scope. "The anniversary will mean a greater spotlight on us in 2026, which we'd like to shine on the projects, themes and people that truly deserve it. This allows us to create new opportunities to inspire people, reach new philanthropists and provide more visibility to worthy initiatives."

A warm message to pass on

What does Brieuc Van Damme hope Philanews readers will take away from seeing these postage stamps?

"If these stamps can make a difference, hopefully it's that people are surprised, touched by something that inspires them and pass on that little spark, so that the warm trail of caring about one another extends even further."