About L&G Foundation
Discover our journey from a small initiative to a respected Belgian nonprofit preserving heritage and building community.
"Our mission is to safeguard the cultural identity of Knokke-Heist while fostering community development through sustainable philanthropy, transparent governance, and meaningful partnerships."
Our History
L&G Foundation was officially established on July 2, 2008, as a Private Foundation (Stichting Private) under Belgian law. The foundation was created with a clear purpose: to protect and promote the cultural heritage of the Knokke-Heist region while supporting community initiatives that improve the quality of life for local residents.
In the early years, the foundation focused primarily on identifying and documenting heritage properties at risk in the coastal region. Our founding directors, Lieve Van Gorp and Maria Ruelens, recognized that many historically significant buildings and landmarks were in danger of neglect or demolition due to rapid coastal development.
In 2017, the foundation relocated its operations to the current headquarters at Prins Filiplaan 38 in Knokke-Heist. This move allowed us to expand our programs and establish a more visible presence in the community. The new location provided adequate space for our growing team and served as a meeting point for volunteers and community partners.
Throughout 2024, the foundation underwent a comprehensive review of its statutes and governance structure. The updated statutes, approved in December 2024, strengthened our commitment to transparency, expanded our programmatic scope to include environmental sustainability, and formalized our accountability mechanisms in line with best practices for Belgian nonprofits.
Our Values
Transparency
We believe in open communication with our donors, partners, and the communities we serve. Our financial records are available for review, and we publish regular reports on our activities and impact.
Integrity
We operate with honesty and ethical standards in all our dealings. Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to doing what is right for our community and our mission.
Accountability
We are accountable to our donors, our partners, and the public. We track and report on the outcomes of every program and initiative we undertake.
Our Timeline
July 2008
L&G Foundation is officially registered as a Private Foundation (Stichting Private) under Belgian law. Enterprise Number: 0899.387.265.
2009–2012
First heritage documentation project completed, cataloging 15 at-risk properties in Knokke-Heist and surrounding areas.
2013
Community Grants program launched, distributing initial funding to five local organizations supporting youth education and cultural activities.
2017
Foundation relocates to Prins Filiplaan 38, Knokke-Heist, establishing a permanent headquarters and community meeting space.
2019
Environmental Sustainability program introduced, with initial projects focused on coastal conservation and green energy initiatives.
2022
Cultural Education & Awareness program launches, offering workshops, lectures, and heritage walks to over 300 participants in its first year.
2024
Statutes updated and governance structure strengthened. Foundation reaches cumulative grant distribution of EUR 850,000 since inception.
Support Our Mission
Join us in preserving Knokke-Heist's cultural heritage and building a stronger community.