The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation
Driving action for a better world
At the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation, we are dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in communities around the globe.
Our mission is to make a positive difference in the world by driving sustainable change and empowering communities.
As an independent charity, our mission aligns closely with dsm-firmenich’s purpose and strategic vision, yet we operate with autonomy to drive impact where it is needed most. Through impactful projects and strategic partnerships we’re working towards a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Our focus areas
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation centers its efforts on three key pillars:
Addressing malnutrition
Good nutrition is the key to unlocking human potential and a thriving society. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies is essential to making this a reality. The Progress Foundation works with the World Food Programme and dsm-firmenich to create the right conditions for closing the micronutrient gap, ensuring that fortified staple foods with the highest quality and nutritional standards reach the most vulnerable.
Strengthening community resilience
Stronger communities are vital for a sustainable future. To thrive, we must take collective action to enhance community resilience. Together with partners such as UNICEF, the Progress Foundation focuses on programs that address social inequality, for instance, by strengthening child protection systems.
Protecting and restoring ecosystems
A healthy planet is essential for all to thrive. Climate action, biodiversity protection, and safeguarding water systems are key to building nature’s resilience. The Progress Foundation will support initiatives that restore and protect ecosystems linked to dsm-firmenich value chains.
As these long-term efforts may be severely disrupted by sudden detrimental events, the Foundation will also consider stepping in when these communities are faced with disasters.
A platform for action
We also support global platforms, such as One Young World, to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.
Which projects do we fund?
The Board of the Foundation is responsible for deciding what projects to support.
In addition to meeting the objectives of the Foundation, the Board can also take other considerations into account, such as the available funding or the distribution of projects. The key criteria are as follows:
- All donations must fit the purpose of the Foundation.
The Board, consisting of at least 50% external board members, will decide on donation requests.
- There needs to be a fit with one or more of the key pillars.
- Impact KPIs & milestones need to be defined for each project.
No unconditional long-term support will be committed to.
Impact reports will be mandatory so the Board can track progress and the realization of the milestones.
- 80% of the funding should be used for projects.
A maximum of 10% of the donation can be spent on overhead.
- For emergency aid, the following criteria are applied:
- Focus on disasters: calamitous events, especially one occurring suddenly and causing great loss of life, damage or hardship (wars, flooding, etc.) where there are not sufficient resources to address the consequences
- Focusing on events which impact dsm-firmenich communities and key value chains
- Through reputable, neutral partners (such as NGOs)
The Foundation will not donate to:
- Organizations which solely rely on the contribution of the Foundation. There should be other funders as well.
- Entities under dsm-firmenich control or to dsm-firmenich employees
- Individual persons and families
- Religion-related activities
- Projects that exclude certain groups or individuals, for example based on their religion, political causes or organizations
- Art-related projects
- Construction projects
- Events
Legal information about the Foundation
Learn more about the legal information of the Progress Foundation.