Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of Fundação BNP Paribas Portugal?
Our purpose is to make meaningful contribution to the development of Portuguese society via three areas of intervention:
- Solidarity: by promoting social inclusion through skilling and employment, emphasizing vulnerable populations.
- Environment: by increasing support for scientific research projects that enhance the capacity to generate and scale solutions to restore and revitalize the marine ecosystem.
- Culture: by making arts reachable for the widest possible audience, amplifying voices that are often unheard, and keeping Portuguese heritage alive while re-interpreting it for today.
The Foundation aspires to achieve a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable society, through long-term non-core investments in people, communities and ecosystems.
Who can benefit from the Foundation’s programmes?
NGOs, schools, cultural organisations and social-enterprises initiatives that align with its three focus areas – employment for inclusion, culture and artistic expression and Ocean’s biodiversity conservation and restoration – are eligible to receive support.
How is the Foundation funded?
In 2026, funding comes from the mother Foundation as well as Group business lines located in Portugal.
The Foundation aims at opening its funding sources to external contributors as well.
Where is the Foundation’s headquarters located?
The headquarters are situated at Edifício AURA, Rua António Mega Ferreira, n.º9, 1800-424, Lisboa, freguesia do Parque das Nações, concelho de Lisboa, Portugal.
How can I stay informed about new projects and calls for proposals?
Follow our LinkedIn and Instagram pages or regularly check the News and Calls for projects section of the website.
How can an NGO apply for a grant?
There are two main funding sources:
1. We contact organizations identified by our staff and invite them to submit funding proposals for work that addresses a specific Foundation priority.
2. The Calls for projects page is frequently updated with open calls, clearly stating timeline and details.
What are the eligible criteria for a grant?
Applicants must be a legally-registered non-profit entity operating in Portugal, present a clear project plan with measurable outcomes, and demonstrate alignment with at least one of our three focus pillars.
Does the Foundation make grants for individuals?
No, the Foundation does not create grants or donations for individuals.
Can I apply for a job at the Foundation?
Look for Job/internships offers currently open at BNP Paribas Foundation.
What are the Foundation’s privacy policy an terms of use?
Access to the Data Protection and Cookies Policy.
Who are the board members?
Please find the composition of the Board of the Foundation here: Composition of the Board.
How does the Foundation measure impact and success?
To ensure that its philanthropic efforts are meaningful, measurable, and aligned with its mission, the BNP Paribas Foundation Portugal follows a framework for impact assessment heavily inspired by the Impact Management Project (IMP) principles.
This framework applies systematically to both the Foundation and its supported projects, so a coherent, layered approach to impact measurement is established – one Foundation’s broader societal contribution.
Accordingly, the Foundation establishes a cohesive, layered approach to impact measurement on two levels:
1 . Project-Level Impact – The framework is used at the individual project level to measure its direct impact on beneficiaries and communities.
2. Foundation-Level Impact – The Foundation assesses its own impact by aggregating and analysing the impact of the projects it funds.
Are there any volunteer opportunities available?
The Foundation provides volunteering opportunities exclusively for BNP Paribas employees. At this time, there are no formal volunteering opportunities open to external candidates.
What is the main point of contact for media inquires or press releases?
They can contact us here: Contact us.
When was the Foundation established?
The Foundation was founded the 26th of August 2026 and started its activities beginning of January 2026.