Updated March 23, 2023

A driving force for change and innovation in the public interest!

By Shana Devleschoudere
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Under the leadership of Luc Tayart de Borms, the King Baudouin Foundation has changed its face, becoming a European philanthropic giant with a billion and a half euros in equity capital, up from 80 million when he took office.

Under the leadership of Luc Tayart de Borms, the King Baudouin Foundation has changed its face, becoming a European philanthropic giant with a billion and a half euros in equity capital, up from 80 million when he took office.

This week, we wanted to honor a man who, professionally speaking, bowed out last year. And what a bow it was!
It was only natural that this man should receive the "Tribute to Leadership" award at the latest LOBBY AWARDS ceremony. The winner is Luc Tayart. I'm sure you're familiar with the name. And with good reason... He spent 27 years at the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF)! Focus on an extraordinary personality.
Under the leadership of Luc Tayart de Borms (his full name), the Foundation has changed its face, becoming a European philanthropic giant with a billion and a half euros in equity capital, up from 80 million when he took office. That says it all!
Spending more than a quarter of a century at the helm of a high-profile institution is bound to leave its mark. And, as those who have lived through it know, when it comes to an end, there's often a sense of loss. However, our interviewee of the week felt a certain relief: "I certainly don't miss the operational side and HR," he declares at the outset, before counter-balancing: "On the other hand, I do miss the Foundation's action themes and the thinking that goes with them. It's clear that Tayart is a man of commitment... and will certainly remain so in his new life!
Before going any further, it's worth recalling what the King Baudouin Foundation is all about. And, as Luc Tayart so aptly put it, what it does. On its website, the noble institution defines itself as follows: "The King Baudouin Foundation's mission is to contribute to a better society, in Belgium, Europe and elsewhere in the world. The Foundation is an agent of change and innovation in the service of the general interest and social cohesion. We seek to maximize our impact by building the capacity of organizations and individuals who contribute to a better society. We encourage effective philanthropy by individuals and companies in Belgium, Europe and worldwide. Our programs are long-term and cover a wide range of fields: social justice and poverty, health, heritage and culture, societal commitment, international, education and talent development, Europe, climate, environment and biodiversity". Sounds comprehensive. But the site also emphasizes the institution's values. These are obviously of the utmost importance, and fall into four categories: integrity and transparency, pluralism and independence, respect for diversity, and the promotion of solidarity. So many values and criteria that Luc Tayart rightly prided himself on during his many years at the head of the Foundation.
With his brilliant career at the FRB under his belt, Luc Tayart is clear-sighted and puts it bluntly: "The Foundation needed a new captain with the right radar for the 21st century". And so, in May 2022, the man who had brilliantly succeeded my late father, Michel Didisheim, left his place to Brieuc Van Damme. The young retiree is full of praise for his successor: "His qualities, his intelligence, his sensitivity and his interest in social issues have left their mark. What's more, he studied at the Collège d'Europe, lived in Africa and is perfectly bilingual, with a mother from Liège and a father from Bruges. So he was tailor-made for the job. What's more, he's the same age I was when I started...". The best is yet to come for the FRB!
To find out more about this "self-made man" (as Thomas de Bergeyck calls him), who put his qualities, commitment and intelligence at the service of philanthropy, go to LOBBY ON PAGE 34.
In the meantime, let us spare a thought for our late King Baudouin, who, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as king, renounced the gift of the country and proposed, instead, to create the Royal Foundation in his name. Panache and benevolence... what more could you ask for?