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About ToolBox Belgium

Genesis of ToolBox - How it Started

In 2002, a group of friends who had just returned to Belgium after studying or working abroad, notably in the UK and the US, got together to discuss how they could contribute to social projects efficiently. A couple had come across the notions of venture philanthropy, capacity building or know-how transfer. The idea of providing management support to non-profits by sharing know-how and skills was of particular interest to the group.

Preliminary research into the acceptance or understanding of these different notions in Belgium quickly revealed that there were few, if any, 'venture philanthropy' type initiatives underway in the country. There was, however, a demand for more hands-on help from a number of non-profits approached.

Following a first conclusive experience with a non-profit based in Charleroi, the group decided to found 'ToolBox'. ToolBox Belgium was founded by Charles-Antoine Janssen, François de Borchgrave, Alexandre Lippens and Isabelle Adam. The organisation was registered under Belgian law in June 2003. Rapidly the number of volunteering members increased and demand from other non-profits emerged.

In the course of 2004 ToolBox decided to partner with a similar outfit in Flanders, 'One Child One Dream', that offered capacity-building support to non-profits in the area of child welfare. At the end of 2004 ToolBox received substantial financial support from the King Baudouin Foundation and the Bernheim Foundation to further develop the initial concept and gradually establish a methodology for wider distribution. In 2007, Cera and the Triodos Fund have become strategic partners for ToolBox as well.

Registered as a non-profit organisation under Belgian law in June 2003, today it has grown to include more than 50 members (volunteering professionals) and services up to a dozen Belgian non-profits at a given time.

In 2009, it was decided to expand the concept of ToolBox to other countries. Seeing the need for such services, India was chosen as a place to start the next ToolBox operation. In 2009, ToolBox India Foundation was incubated and subsequently has been registered as a not for profit organisation under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. In 2010 ToolBox had initiated partnerships with six NGOs/ NPOs in Mumbai and Karnataka and is currently executing over 13 projects with NGOs in Mumbai working in the areas of Health, Education and Disabilities.

For additional information on ToolBox Belgium click www.toolboxh2o.org