Since 2017, the John Cockerill Foundation has been multiplying positive-impact initiatives across Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 2024, a new milestone is reached with the launch of a three-year societal action plan in the United States, led by Christophe Gaspard, Project Manager for the Foundation in the USA and Strategic Planner at John Cockerill.
“Since its creation, the Foundation has carried out numerous outstanding projects wherever the John Cockerill Group has a strong presence,” explains Christophe Gaspard. “While the Americas have not been overlooked—with around 700 employees in South America and 100 in North America—initiatives there have so far been occasional. In 2024, we decided to take it further: a dedicated three-year budget has been allocated to strengthen our action through the Foundation in this region.”
Following an initial selection of projects in Brazil last December, the Foundation is now reviewing new initiatives to be developed in areas where its American entities are located: Houston (Texas), Erie (Pennsylvania), and Salem (Ohio).
Christophe plays a key role in this expansion. “The Foundation can count on committed ambassadors in the United States. My role is to support them in clearly communicating the plan’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and participation guidelines. I then assist with the evaluation and selection process, and ensure the proper preparation of proposals in collaboration with local associations. Once projects are selected, I make sure they are implemented in line with the specifications and budget.”
The Foundation seeks projects that meet specific criteria, as Christophe explains:
“If I had to name my top 3 priorities, they would be:
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Projects related to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
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‘Hybrid’ projects combining financial support and involvement from John Cockerill employees, particularly in the form of volunteering;
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Projects aligned with the Foundation’s core values: human, committed, responsible, innovative, project-driven, and ethical.”
A dimension fully integrated into the Group’s CSR strategy
This three-year plan is part of a broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach. “CSR goes beyond complying with rules and regulations, such as ESG frameworks or the CSRD directive. It also reflects the Group’s desire to have a lasting impact on the world. In this respect, the Foundation is a concrete lever for that ambition.”
With this plan, the Foundation aims not only to support larger-scale projects but also to increase involvement from local employees. “During the recent information session, over 50 colleagues attended. The enthusiasm is real. Now it’s time to bring this commitment to life on the ground.”
Want to propose a project? Here’s how
All the necessary information is available on the Foundation’s website. “The project leader’s guide can be downloaded there. It outlines the objectives, criteria, and submission steps. It also includes the link to our online platform, which is the only valid channel for submitting applications, to ensure a structured and fair evaluation. Previously supported projects are also available for inspiration.”
To conclude, Christophe sends out a call to associations, NGOs, and locally established companies:
“The Foundation offers us a unique opportunity to bring inspiring projects to life in the U.S., just like the 80 already completed worldwide. The process is simple and fast. Take this opportunity—and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.”