Solidarity, Impact, and Innovation: Renewing the Commitment of the ESC Clermont Group Foundation

Established in 2016 and hosted by the Fondation de France, the ESC Clermont Group Foundation contributes to the development and influence of the ESC Clermont Business School by bolstering the implementation of its educational strategy. Additionally, it fosters a quality human and social policy within the School, promoting quality of life, equality, and diversity among learners. Since its inception, it has gathered nearly €2.2 million in donations!

The following interview with Robin Jund, its current director, describes how ESC Clermont Group Foundation shapes the academic excellence of the school while fostering a supportive ecosystem and promoting the emergence of a sustainable future.

WHAT ARE THE MISSIONS OF THE FOUNDATION AND WHAT ARE ITS MEDIUM- AND LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES?

The ESC Clermont Group Foundation focuses its missions on supporting education, entrepreneurship, and initiatives with an impact on its sphere of influence. It aims to provide scholarships, promote social openness and diversity, encourage entrepreneurship with a societal or environmental purpose, and develop civic actions.

In the medium and long term, the objective is to strengthen the social impact of the School by increasing the number and amount of scholarships awarded to students. We also aim to support the economic development and sustainability of the territory, thereby contributing to the reputation and academic excellence of the ESC Clermont Business School.

THE FOUNDATION HAS REWORKED ITS AREAS OF FOCUS, CAN YOU TELL US MORE?

The ESC Clermont Group Foundation has redirected its strategic focus to better meet the needs of its territory. The new focus area, “Territorial Solidarity,” replaces the previous areas of “Pedagogical Innovation” and “Professional Integration.”

This change aims to reinforce our commitment to our local community. The goal is to actively participate in the environmental and societal transformation of our territory (and that of the School), support the development of civic actions, promote societal and environmental projects led by various associations, including student associations, and enhance the territorial influence of the Foundation.

WHAT RECENT PROJECTS PARTICULARLY ILLUSTRATE THIS NEW FOCUS?

In 2023 (and we have just voted for 2024), we provided support to the solidarity grocery store Esope63. It is an offshoot of the Auvergne Food Bank that offers fresh products, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, as well as hygiene and cleaning products at extremely reduced prices to students in financial difficulty throughout the city and suburbs (regardless of the institution they are enrolled in). The goal is to enable healthy and easy eating while making a modest contribution.

Like many students, students ESC students may also encounter difficulties, contrary to what one might think at first glance for a private school. Helping Esope63 thus also contributes to helping our students while supporting a priority societal initiative. An important fact: this contribution from the Foundation has generated a strong local dynamic, and the School has wished to contribute to the same extent.

WHO ARE YOUR DONORS?

First, I would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank all our donors because it is obvious that without them, none of the projects mentioned above could come to fruition.

The Foundation was established in 2016 under the impetus of six founding companies, which are represented on the Executive Committee and have pledged long-term financial commitment: Banque Populaire Auvergne Rhône Alpes, BabyMoov Group, Caisse d’Épargne d’Auvergne et du Limousin, Société Générale, Groupe La Montagne Centre France, and Piganiol SA.

We are also backed by many sponsoring companies, committed for 3 to 5 years. Without listing them all, I would think, for example, of the Michelin Foundation, Théa Laboratories, Limagrain, TB Groupe, Groupama, Fidal, or Joubert. Donations from partner companies represent 85% of donations made to the Foundation.

Finally, the School’s alumni are also significant donors. Some have been with us since the beginning of the adventure! School alumni even sit on the Foundation’s Executive Committee and accompany us in our strategic choices, communication, or fundraising. Because it’s not just financially that you can commit to our side.

WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATION’S UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS?

At the beginning of April, the first Executive Committee of 2024 was held. There are at least two per year, and they are important because they allow us to set directions, challenge ourselves, and define our fundraising strategies.

Our Annual Gala will take place in June. This is an opportunity for us to thank those who support us, to review the past year, to present the course for the years to come, in short, to highlight both our donors and our projects. It is also a highlight for students who have benefited from a scholarship, as it is an opportunity for them to meet and exchange with their sponsors. Creating and maintaining this link is crucial on a territorial scale.

On this subject, another major highlight will be the scholarship campaign in November. Thanks to them, more than a hundred students, in need of either assistance to deal with a difficulty or a boost to carry out a costly but decisive project in their journey, can receive financial support and accompanied. Our goal is to be able to award €200,000 in scholarships every year!