Thematic domains
If! Foundation supports organisations working across 5 thematics : education, health, economic inclusion, social inclusion as well as mental health.
In addition, IF aims to have a strong transversal focus on women.
If! Foundation supports organisations working across 5 thematics : education, health, economic inclusion, social inclusion as well as mental health.
In addition, IF aims to have a strong transversal focus on women.
If! Foundation has adopted the following definition for education:
"The process of facilitating the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and behaviors."
Furthermore, IF supports the joint United Nations Education 2030 Incheon Declaration which is inspired by a humanistic vision of education. They reaffirm that: “(…) Education is a public good, a fundamental human right and a basis for guaranteeing the realisation of other rights. It is essential for human fulfilment, sustainable development, tolerance, and peace. "1
IF education support seeks to ensure that children and adolescents most in need have access to quality education that will enable them to obtain the knowledge, skills, values and beliefs they need to thrive in life and support their communities.
IF supports projects from pre-school through to tertiary education with a particular interest in projects aiming to improve public education systems.
In addition, IF seeks to support institutions dedicated to highly talented individuals.
If! Foundation supports WHO’s positive definition of health:
“Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”1
IF health support focuses mainly on maternal and child health and primary health care for vulnerable and underserved populations, including training of health workers and health education. We also have a particular interest in supporting organisations working with public authorities to improve public health services.
As is the case for our health thematic domain If! Foundation has adopted WHO’s definition:
“Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."1
Within this broader definition, If!! Foundation seeks to support women and men living with severe mental health conditions, in particular living with schizophrenia. To this end, If!! Foundation will primarily support clinical research focused on preventing, treating and mitigating the effects of early onset or diagnosed schizophrenia. In second instance, If!! Foundation can also support projects in the areas of education, social inclusion and economic inclusion benefitting women and men living with severe mental conditions, insofar as a link with schizophrenia exists.
If! Foundation has adopted the following definition for economic inclusion:
“Preparing and improving access to economic opportunities for underserved groups through the promotion of inclusive market-based services and solutions.”1
As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to work and receive a just and favourable remuneration ensuring for themselves and their families an existence worthy of human dignity.
IF supports non-profit organisations and social businesses aiming at the economic empowerment of underserved citizens. These organisations implement initiatives that provide vulnerable and excluded people with the knowledge, competencies and opportunities to access markets and to find long-term employment.
If! Foundation has adopted the following definition for social inclusion:
"The process of improving the terms for individuals and groups to take part in society by improving their social skills and the opportunities available to them. In every country, some groups confront barriers that prevent them from fully participating in political, economic, and social life. This kind of social exclusion robs individuals of dignity, security, and the opportunity to fulfil their rights."1
IF supports initiatives that promote social inclusion of isolated, vulnerable and/or marginalized individuals and groups. The aim of this action area is to enable these individuals to establish or recreate social connections and to empower them to become active agents in their own lives and in society. The Foundation believes that social inclusion can facilitate success in education and in economic inclusion.