GAMS and Escalpade, two inspiring organizations committed to social inclusion, win BNP Paribas Fortis’ Social Engagement Awards
A strong and resilient economy can only thrive in a society where everyone counts. As a leading player in the financial sector, BNP Paribas Fortis believes it is its responsibility to contribute to a more inclusive world, one in which vulnerable young people and minorities are not marginalised. For years, the bank has supported organisations fighting for social justice in areas such as education, employment, housing, leisure and dignity through its funds, the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation and Impact Together. The bank also actively encourages its employees to participate in environmental and inclusion projects via the 1millionhours2help volunteer programme.
Today, BNP Paribas Fortis is taking a new step with the launch of the first edition of the Social Engagement Awards. This initiative highlights 28 Belgian organisations that work tirelessly for social inclusion. All of these organisations received financial support in 2025 through Impact Together or the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation, both of which are managed by the King Baudouin Foundation. Two winners were selected from these 28 finalists based on an open vote, in which 12,000 people took part, including clients, employees and members of the public via social media.
The winners: two organisations making a real difference
Client Award:
GAMS Belgium (Molenbeek-Saint-Jean) has spent years fighting for the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and gender-based violence. The organisation promotes women’s autonomy and defends their social, legal, sexual and reproductive rights, paying particular attention to women and children from migrant backgrounds. Thanks to their efforts, between 2019 and 2023 no fewer than 949 girls were protected from FGM, 2,198 women who had undergone FGM received support, and 8,555 professionals were trained to address these issues.
GAMS has already received a three-year structural grant of €80,000 via Impact Together and will now receive the Social Engagement Award, including an additional €10,000 to further strengthen its mission.
Public Award:
Escalpade (Ottignies–Louvain-la-Neuve) is a citizen-led initiative supporting people with disabilities in Walloon Brabant. Its goal is to "promote and implement any educational, social, cultural, or pedagogical project aimed at individuals with disabilities, particularly through organizing welcoming activities, leisure programs, or educational initiatives."
Escalpade’s mission is to address the need for Type 4 specialized education and daycare services for highly dependent adults in Walloon Brabant. Today, over 200 families—including children, teens, and adults with physical disabilities—are supported across its entities.To achieve this, Escalpade employs more than 100 staff members and relies on 50 daily volunteers. Additionally, through its "Sports and Leisure" branch, the organization hosts summer camps for around 120 children and teens annually,offers after-school "cyclodance" classes, and rganizes inclusive sports events via the Escalpade Club.
Escalpade has also received a three-year structural grant of €80,000 via Impact Together and will now receive the Social Engagement Award, along with an additional €10,000.
Creating lasting impact in Belgium
The Social Engagement Awards are more than just a form of recognition; they reflect BNP Paribas Fortis’ long-standing commitment to social inclusion. Through Impact Together and the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation (established in 2010), the bank supports organisations that develop innovative solutions to challenges such as child poverty, digital exclusion and the needs of vulnerable communities. The King Baudouin Foundation provides administrative support, enabling the focus to remain on growth, innovation and sustainable development.
Annemie Goegebuer, Head of Engagement & Sustainability at BNP Paribas Fortis:
“A bank not only has an economic responsibility but also a social one. With the Social Engagement Awards, we want to encourage the organisations that fight daily for a fairer society. GAMS and Escalpade are wonderful examples of how local initiatives can make a national – and even international – difference. We are proud to support them.”
Additional information
About BNP Paribas Fortis
BNP Paribas Fortis is a leading bank in Belgium committed to sustainable growth and social inclusion. Every year, our Impact Together fund and the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation launch project calls. The selected organisations receive financial support as well as coaching, volunteer involvement and networking opportunities. These project calls are organised in collaboration with the King Baudouin Foundation, while the organisations are selected by an independent and specialised jury.
Impact Together by BNP Paribas Fortis
Impact Together, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, has supported organisations dedicated to promoting greater social inclusion in Belgium since 2015. Our mission is to help them grow, innovate and develop their activities in a sustainable way. The aim of Impact Together is clear: to provide structural financial support to local organisations working every day for a better future, both for social and environmental purposes. Organisations can apply for structural support through an annual project call.
BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation
Since 2010, the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation has been fighting all forms of exclusion affecting young people, whether financial, social or digital. The fund supports children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds in Belgium. We help strengthen their integration through educational projects, thereby contributing to a more inclusive society. The King Baudouin Foundation provides administrative support.
Every year, the BNP Paribas Fortis Foundation provides financial support to associations, mainly through a project call aimed at promoting integration and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people.
For more information about our annual project calls and how to apply in 2026, please refer to the King Baudouin Foundation website. Interested organisations can subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about new calls.
