Cartamundi - Cartamundi sets up global fund to support local communities

The new fund mainly aims to help children and youth between 1 and 18 years old. “Through this fund, we want to invest in their future and help the next generations. Our projects will offer support to learn and grow, as well as the basic skills to lead a full and rewarding life,” explains Stefaan Merckx.

With the mission “Sharing the magic of caring for people”, the Cartamundi Global Fund will focus on projects that contribute to better health, sociability and education. The first, health, comprises mental fitness and development of all people in society.

Ana Carolina Gonçalves, EVP Latin America at Cartamundi explains: “Lately, there’s been an increased need for emotional support. Our fund supports projects that strengthen the mental health of children and adolescents. By teaching them how to take care of themselves mentally, we combat the risk of social isolation.”

By supporting sociability, Cartamundi improves social cohesion between generations, cultures and societies. The last pillar is education. Cartamundi encourages disadvantaged groups to develop their talents. “Our fund will align its support to children’s needs in specific regions. ”

The fund also aims to enhance the community feeling of all Cartamundi employees. “We will encourage our colleagues to become socially engaged. Employees are free to suggest projects that are close to their hearts.”

The idea for a global fund was born out of a desire to support local communities on a long-term basis. “We don’t just want to donate money. We strive to work together and bring sustainable solutions to the table,” says An Christiaen, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Cartamundi

In the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF), Cartamundi found the right partner. “By cooperating with KBF, we can rest assured that every penny will go to the people who need them most.”

Nicolas Bastenie, philanthropy advisor at KBF, is delighted to set up the fund with Cartamundi: “We’re always pleased when more and better philanthropy can be done. The Global Cartamundi Fund will certainly do its part. We created the fund through intense dialogue. And we appreciate that Cartamundi took the time to reflect on its values and ambitions. We’re at the beginning of a beautiful story, where the international nature and local presence of both our organizations will show their full potential.”

Why is the fund launched now? “In 2020 we were supposed to celebrate 50 years of Cartamundi,” says Stefaan. “But when Covid-19 struck, we knew we had to shift our priorities. We decided to bring the global fund to life before the end of the year, to make a positive contribution,” says Stefaan Merckx.

Earlier this year, Cartamundi factories in the USA produced face shields , while the plant in Ireland assembled medical test kits. In July, Cartamundi set up a joint venture with the University of Antwerp to alleviate the need for high-quality face shields in Belgian healthcare.

Stefaan Merckx: “Our idea of success goes beyond economic profit. We want to make a difference to people and society. By founding the Cartamundi Global Fund, we’re one step closer to fulfilling that ambition.”

The King Baudouin Foundation will launch its first open call for projects for the Global Cartamundi Fund during the first quarter of 2021.