Fondation GRDF, sheltered by Fondation de France, launched operations on June 10, 2020, after its creation on January 26 that year. Tied to GRDF, France's primary gas distribution operator serving over 11 million clients with 11,457 employees, it channels the company's public service role into territorial projects addressing social and ecological pressures.
The foundation targets four areas: social entrepreneurship, socio-professional insertion for vulnerable groups like youth and the long-term unemployed, synergies between rural and urban zones, and ecological transition, including biodiversity preservation. It prioritizes early-stage initiatives with local diagnostics, measurable impacts, and multi-actor cooperation, offering tailored financial and operational support. Each funded project requires sponsorship by a GRDF employee.
By mid-2023, it had backed 59 projects nationwide via 13 regional relays and 56 sponsors. Key partnerships include makesense's Social Cup for young social entrepreneurs, Cuisine Mode d'Emploi(s) expanding itinerant cooking schools and prep programs for basic skills, and Territoire Zéro Chômeur de Longue Durée scaling job guarantees. A recent example: since March 2024, support for IRVIN in Ille-et-Vilaine, aiding precarious youth like volunteer Alan in finding purpose. All efforts stay rooted in French territories.