Constanter is a private, independent
charitable foundation and part of a network of philanthropic organisations set up by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners in service of the common good. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity, fulfil their potential and flourish.
Working together to promote the dignity of the planet and its people
Our mission is to contribute to a better world where social justice and the dignity of the planet and all its people are respected and promoted. We advance this mission by enabling work in the areas of education, society, faith and climate, providing funds to other philanthropic entities and partners that support our aims, and by aiming to inspire and challenge existing industries to work together towards a climate-positive and inclusive economy.
Principle and practice
The way we work, invest and partner is driven by a strong sense of what matters in principle and works in practice. Our values are rooted in the Catholic faith and the business heritage of the Brenninkmeijer family business owners. We believe in listening and working collectively with those who understand the issues best – whether that’s experts, local communities or the people directly affected – to promote human dignity and strive for a more just and sustainable world.
We’re committed to our mission, each other, and anyone whose life is affected by the work we do.
By aspiring to act and think like entrepreneurs, we hope to find better ways to solve problems.
Working together constructively and collaboratively in dialogue is the best way we know to address division in the world and help lift human dignity in all its forms.
United in service
Everything we do begins and ends with people. Our Philanthropy Services team, Investment Office and Board work closely together, united by a strong sense of purpose. We want to bring out the best in one another, and believe what we’re doing is worthwhile, so we strive to work professionally and in deep trust in pursuit of our shared aim. It’s these relationships, built with each other and our network of partners, that change systems and lives.
Enabling and enhancing
Constanter Philanthropy Services was purpose-built to provide Porticus, Laudes Foundation and other philanthropic organisations set up by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners the services they need to be focused and effective in their work. We believe that a professional approach to our philanthropic endeavours results in greater impact. Through global teams in HR, IT, Finance, Risk, Legal, Tax, Insurance, Facilities, Travel, Procurement, Security, Project Management and Reporting, we strive for collaborative excellence in every interaction.
Active and engaged
The success of our investments is indispensable to our continued philanthropic work. We have a dedicated Investment Office which provides expert advice on our investment portfolio, seeking returns that don’t come at the expense of people or the planet, but rather positively contribute towards our mission. This team is instrumental in executing on the investment strategy. We work with outside specialists to manage individual securities and investments. By taking an active, engaged approach, we try to ensure our investments abide by the high ethical principles set out in our responsible investment guidelines.
Responsible and invested
Our Board is ultimately responsible for all Constanter’s activities across philanthropy, investment, and audit and compliance. It is supported by dedicated committees that it appoints to help it carry out each of these tasks. Members of the Board are not remunerated for their work in relation to these roles.
Our governance1841
Constanter roots stretch back to 1841. The earliest records of C&A, the business set up by brothers Clemens and August, show that charitable contributions were made with the very first profits.
1950s and 1960s
From humble beginnings, the tradition of private charitable giving and engagement continued quietly with descendants founding charities alongside businesses all over the globe. Local C&A staff would help manage donations as a side activity. Some of the largest foundations still in existence include Clementia Verein (est. 1949, Germany), Stichting Benevolentia (est. 1951, Netherlands) and Stiftung Auxilium (est. 1963, Switzerland).
1956
Argidius was founded by Arnold and Egidius Brenninkmeijer in 1956 to encourage entrepreneurship and help small businesses grow, create jobs and tackle deep-rooted poverty challenges. It continues to this day, helping entrepreneurs build viable businesses and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
1963
In 1963, the Brenninkmeijer family business owners appointed a full-time co-ordinator in Amsterdam. The boards of the nationally organised foundations started to meet regularly to exchange knowledge and experience. They invited experts to discuss key societal needs and opportunities for action.
1995 onwards
Porticus was established in 1995, bringing the regional activities together to coordinate and develop the philanthropic activities of the family business owners globally. Now operating from 14 offices, it advises and supervises grants and programmes serving human dignity and promoting social justice in over 135 countries.
2007
Good Energies was established in 2007, working with Porticus to partner with organisations and social businesses that work to reverse climate change and mitigate its harm, especially to people who live in poverty. It supports programmes providing access to clean energy and protecting tropical forests.
2014 to 2020
C&A Foundation was launched in 2010 to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable apparel sector, and to help everyone affected by the industry to thrive. During the six years of its existence, it inspired the campaign for a clean, safe fashion industry; it revitalised the organic cotton sector; it collaborated in making supply chains more transparent; and it was the founding funder of Fashion for Good – the world’s first platform for collaborative innovation in sustainable fashion.
2020 onwards
In 2020, Laudes Foundation was established to continue the industry-transformation work of C&A Foundation and expand the approach into other industries with an outsized negative impact on carbon emissions and social inclusion, specifically the built environment and finance and capital markets. Working at the intersection of business and philanthropy, Laudes Foundation is uniquely placed to influence Paris-aligned capital flows and challenge and inspire industry to harness its power for good. Its vision is one where global markets value all people and respect nature.
Work with us
Join our team at Constanter to work with the best in their fields, learn and contribute to delivering high-quality solutions for philanthropies we serve. Impact our global philanthropic work and be a part of our mission to contribute to a better world where social justice and the dignity of the planet and all its people are respected and promoted.