AXA Group

The AXA Group is leading the way for French businesses investing in corporate philanthropy, as shown by the 2007 Corporate Philanthropy Directory published by Admical, the French association for the development of industrial and commercial philanthropy. Spotlight on an approach that is strengthening the business' corporate image.

In 2005, 800 businesses had a dedicated budget of some one billion euros for corporate philanthropy activities. The 10 most generous alone spent over 100 million euros. At least these are the conclusions based on information given by businesses to Admical¹.

French legislation now makes corporate philanthropy easier for businesses. And they see it as an opportunity to assert their brand identity externally and raise awareness internally with their staff on the general interest causes being supported. However, that is not all: in-house, the impact goes way beyond simply raising awareness, since employees are also able to enjoy the benefits of their company's investments in corporate philanthropy. An aspect that the Group is particularly attentive to. And this has been the case since 2004, when it rolled out its global philanthropy policy.

Its efforts have been highly visible, with AXA setting the standard in terms of the most generous businesses. Indeed, the Group, which dedicated 26.5 million euros to social and cultural philanthropy activities in 2005, is streets ahead of other firms: the other two businesses on this podium were TF1 and Total, with corporate philanthropy budgets of 18 and 14.2 million euros respectively.

¹ Association set up in 1979 to promote corporate philanthropy in France covering culture, solidarity, the environment and sport.