General Information 

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European Present Foundation

At the European Present Foundation, we believe that a better Europe starts in our own neighborhoods — with people who care, who show up, and who make a difference together. Our vision is simple, yet deeply ambitious: to create a Europe where looking out for one another is second nature. A continent of connected communities, where resilience and compassion go hand in hand.

We support a growing movement of grassroots solidarity by helping establish and nurture local Present Foundations in cities across Europe. These local foundations serve as bridges — connecting volunteers who want to share their time, talents, and energy, with individuals and families in need of practical help or a moment of connection.

Our mission is to strengthen social cohesion and foster mutual understanding in diverse communities, by building local networks of volunteer action in collaboration with trusted local partners. We see volunteering not as a one-way act of charity, but as a two-way exchange that uplifts everyone involved — and ultimately transforms communities from the inside out.

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What We Do

We lay the groundwork for local Present Foundations by:

• Conducting in-depth research into local social and demographic contexts to ensure sustainable, community-based solutions.

• Supporting new initiatives with training, coaching, and financial aid, so they can launch with confidence and clarity.

• Organising regional and international gatherings — from workshops and trainings to our annual Present Congress — where local teams share knowledge, inspiration, and best practices.

• Creating space for innovation and co-creation, continuously developing new methods and tools to expand the impact of volunteerism across Europe.

• Serving as a European hub that coordinates, connects, and champions the Present movement at the continental level.

 

Our Story

• Present began in the Netherlands in 2003, born from one person’s belief that we are all responsible for one another. That belief sparked a nationwide movement, and over 70 Present Foundations now operate across 130 Dutch municipalities. In 2024, inspired by international interest and a deepening sense of European solidarity, we took the next step: founding the European Present Foundation in Brussels.

• We're now bringing this powerful model of local volunteering across borders, starting in Belgium and Spain. Our ambition? By 2026, to launch Present Foundations in at least three different European countries — and keep growing from there.

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Real Impact, Real People

• The impact of our work is felt in the everyday lives of real people. A warm meal shared with someone experiencing homelessness. A freshly painted wall in the home of someone starting over. A conversation between a teenager and a professional who sees their potential. A garden restored by neighbors who had never spoken before. These are not just projects — they are stories of hope, dignity, and human connection.

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Join the Movement

• We’re headquartered in Brussels, but the Present spirit is spreading fast. If you believe in a Europe where no one is left behind — where communities lift each other up — we invite you to be part of our journey. Whether you're an individual, a company, or a community group, there's a place for you in the Present movement.

• Let’s build a Europe where compassion is contagious. Together, we can make presence — truly being there for each other — the most powerful force for change.