FAQs

Our main source of funding is income and other returns on our investment assets. 

Our model of philanthropy means that we don’t make donations directly or accept grant applications. Rather we distribute grants to other philanthropic entities established by the Brenninkmeijer family entrepreneurs. 

They are descendants of Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, the founders of C&A, and they are owners of the COFRA Holding AG group. The family business owners engage in philanthropy together, striving to have a lasting positive impact on society and the environment.

Constanter’s stated mission is ‘Together we aspire to help build a just and sustainable world where the dignity of every human is respected and fostered’. It is part of a wider network of philanthropic organisations founded by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners whose shared aspiration is to be a force for good in the world. 

We seek to address social and environmental issues, with a focus on the most vulnerable. Through Porticus, we’re active in education, society, faith and climate. With the support of Laudes Foundation, we’re focused on inspiring and challenging business and industry, specifically the fashion and built environment industries, and the finance and capital markets sector, whose influence impacts decisions and corporate action throughout the real economy.  

Constanter is based in Zug, Switzerland. Our approach however is global, just like the issues we take on, and we support teams around the world working on projects in over 65 countries. 

Constanter and Porticus and Laudes Foundation work in strategic partnership to realise the philanthropic aims of Constanter. Both Porticus and Laudes advise and support us in developing and executing our philanthropic strategies. We enable their activities through funding and provide them with professional services. 

People from all faiths and none work with Constanter, but the values that inspire our work – a profound respect for each human’s life and dignity, working together for the common good, looking after the planet and treating others as you would like to be treated – come from the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and are part of our heritage. They provide a framework and culture focused on doing the right thing, upholding human dignity, operating sustainably and promoting social justice.

Whilst our investments may make profits in some years, as an ANBI, or Public Benefit Organisation, we are committed not to grow the value of the investment assets that underpin our investments in real terms.

Returns from these investments are allocated as grants to partners tackling social and environmental challenges in keeping with our philanthropic strategy.