The move consolidates the group’s various charitable initiatives and those of AXA Mutuelles d'Assurances, aiming to enhance their collective impact. The foundation was introduced as part of AXA's 40th brand anniversary.
The foundation is positioned as a continuation of the group’s insurance mission, with AXA stating that philanthropy will now serve as a strategic tool aligned with its broader corporate objectives. It is designed to support initiatives that address societal resilience, inequality reduction, and access to knowledge and culture.
AXA has a longstanding involvement in funding scientific research through the AXA Research Fund, which since 2008 has committed €262 million to more than 750 projects in nearly 40 countries.
AXA has incorporated the concept of "human progress" into the foundation's name, reinforcing what it describes as alignment with its stated purpose: “Act for human progress by protecting what matters.”
AXA said that the foundation is intended to operate as a nonprofit counterpart to the group’s business activities, extending its remit beyond insurance to other forms of social protection.
Thomas Buberl, chief executive officer of AXA Group, said that the foundation reflects the group’s role in fostering solidarity, especially in a world facing divisions and crises.
“The AXA Foundation for Human Progress embodies this conviction: social cohesion is at the heart of our business, and our philanthropic commitment is a natural extension of this,” Buberl said.
The foundation combines philanthropic work carried out over the past 40 years by AXA and AXA Mutuelles d’Assurances, with the aim of scaling those efforts. Philippe Guérand (pictured above), chairman of AXA Mutuelles d’Assurances, said the foundation continues the mutual’s longstanding commitment to solidarity and social protection.
"Since their creation, the AXA Mutuelles d'assurances have been committed to the protection of people and solidarity in the heart of the territories,” Guérand said.
The foundation’s activities will focus on four key areas: scientific research, climate and environmental response, social inclusion and education, and support for culture and heritage. These areas are considered by AXA to be central to its social impact strategy.
AXA said the foundation will adopt new methods in its approach to philanthropy. It will aim to identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities, strengthen support for interdisciplinary research, and improve how it measures the outcomes of supported projects. The foundation also intends to make it easier for local project leaders to access resources.
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