Overview

BNP Paribas Foundation was established in 1984 as the corporate philanthropic foundation of BNP Paribas Group. It operates as a legally constituted foundation with its own governance, mandate and funding model. The Foundation’s purpose is to support projects that address major social, environmental and cultural challenges. The organisation follows a long-term, partnership-based approach to philanthropy. Its philosophy centres on supporting initiatives that deliver measurable public benefit rather than short-term charitable donations.

Mission and focus areas

BNP Paribas Foundation aims to empower organisations and individuals working on issues of social inclusion, climate change, biodiversity and culture. Its activities focus on funding and supporting projects that contribute to environmental protection, social cohesion and access to knowledge and culture. In relation to sustainability and ESG themes, the Foundation aligns with sustainable finance principles by directing capital towards climate and biodiversity research, ecosystem protection, and social resilience. While it does not produce financial research or frameworks, its grant-making supports sustainability-driven value creation through applied research, field projects and civil society initiatives that inform long-term environmental and social outcomes.

Structure and governance

The Foundation operates with a defined governance structure that includes a Chair, Vice-Chair and an Executive Committee. These bodies oversee strategic direction, funding priorities and project selection, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Decision-making is supported by thematic committees, such as those focused on solidarity or environmental initiatives. While closely linked to BNP Paribas Group, the Foundation maintains operational autonomy in its philanthropic activities.

Programs and offerings

BNP Paribas Foundation provides financial support through structured grant programmes, calls for projects and long-term partnerships. Key areas include climate and biodiversity research, social inclusion projects, education initiatives and cultural programmes. The Foundation also publishes information on funded projects, impact themes and partnerships through its website and reports. These outputs are valuable for sustainability practitioners seeking insight into corporate-funded philanthropy, environmental research support and private-sector engagement in social and environmental challenges.

Our mission:

Giving power to those who take action

• The power to build a better world for future generations;
• The power to rally around the most vulnerable populations;
• The power to lead the fairest and most sustainable transitions;
• The power to shine a light on those who make a difference.

Since 1984, we have been discovering, bringing together and supporting talents who lead innovative and impactful projects; projects that are part of a systemic approach to social, environmental and cultural change.

Through our cutting-edge approach, we support people and projects that help change the world: boldly and innovatively, over the long term, with active and tailored support, in order to publicise them, promote them, and perpetuate their actions.

This is our mission.