Veolia in Germany takes a new approach to corporate philanthropy

New strategy for resourcing the world

After sixteen years, the Veolia Germany Foundation is changing in line with developments in its traditional corporate sponsorship role. Its aim is to support innovation in terms of protecting water resources, energy efficiency and the circular economy. The Foundation intends to play a more effective role, with initiatives directly corresponding to the Group’s core areas of expertise. “The whole challenge for us is being able to spot largescale projects that we will open up to external partners, even other foundations,” believes Fiene Berger. “This also involves everyone increasing their endowments.” These considerations should lead to the implementation of the new strategy in 2018. Find out more: http://www.veolia-stiftung.de

> 2001: creation of the Foundation
> €3.2 M endowments granted since 2001
> 320 employees engaged in skills sharing
> 430 community projects supported, including 226 through Pro Ehrenamt

They are volunteer firemen, amateurs devoted to their sports club, volunteer first aiders, defenders of nature or youth activity leaders… During their spare time, many of Veolia’s employees in Germany dedicate themselves to various causes! To support these civic-minded activities, the Veolia Germany Foundation has created Pro Ehrenamt, a system of endowments capped at €50,000/ year. The idea is to allocate €500 to any employee who can demonstrate at least one hundred hours’ commitment to an organization. The budget serves to cover expenses such as purchasing equipment or communication tools.

“This microsubsidy principle fosters the values of engagement within the company,” explains Fiene Berger, the Foundation’s director. “Germany also has a volunteering culture that we wish to maintain. So whenever an employee volunteers for the common good, we support them.” Launched in 2014, the program counts a growing number of applicants, as its field of application expands. Last year, for the first time, all of the funds granted were used to subsidize 100 projects.