50 years of the King Baudouin Foundation

For nearly 50 years, the King Baudouin Foundation has aimed to contribute to a better society in Belgium, in Europe, and elsewhere in the world. Everyone can do their bit. Summarized in one sentence: 'Giving is an eternal gift,' and on the stamps below, we see five illustrations that inspire and mobilize. Issue date: January 26, 2026. Does this issue resemble our New Dutch Design stamps?

50 years of the King Baudouin Foundation

In 2026, the King Baudouin Foundation celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. Not a traditional celebration, but a year of reflection, encounter, and inspiration. bpost marks the jubilee with a special philatelic issue: five stamps, each inspired by a different way of giving.

What makes the King Baudouin Foundation unique in the Belgian and international philanthropy landscape? Brieuc Van Damme, CEO of the King Baudouin Foundation, puts it this way: “First and foremost: our accessibility. Thanks to our independent and pluralistic stance, governments, administrations, and civil society organizations alike find their way to the King Baudouin Foundation. The same applies to large and small donors and philanthropists, who always find an open door with us, accompanied by respectful, warm discretion.” The foundation also proves agile in times of crisis. For thanks to their independent position, their resources, and the expertise of their staff, they can respond flexibly when it really counts. Such as during the floods in Wallonia, the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, or in the reception of Ukrainian refugees. The impetus for the stamp issue came from an unexpected source. “The nomination for a jubilee stamp came from philanthropist Patrick Maselis, an avid philatelist and chairman of the West Flanders Support Council. Based on his involvement there, he nominated the King Baudouin Foundation and its fiftieth anniversary for a stamp issue.” For the design, bpost called upon Trui Chielens, an artist from Poperinge with a special connection to the Foundation. “A few years ago, Trui, then still at the beginning of her career, received a commission for De Muziekbank, a project of the West Flanders Regional Fund that is supported by that same Support Council. A beautiful coincidence, or perhaps simply proof that giving truly connects.”   Stamps (from left to right and from top to bottom):

1. Giving by listening
2. Giving opportunities
3. administering medication
4. Giving time and care
5. Giving for tomorrow

Each stamp features a QR code that leads to a King Baudouin Foundation webpage. Vel Dotted line around the stamps symbolizing connection. Extra vignette with “50 years of caring for each other” – “50 ans d'engagement partage”. Each stamp in the series depicts a different form of giving. From the philanthropist dedicating resources to rare research (giving resources), to the volunteer at the sports club or the board member of a non-profit (giving time). From the caregiver looking after her sister (giving care), to the non-profit organization offering school leavers a new chance (giving opportunities), and the elderly lady leaving her garden as a park for the neighborhood for future generations (giving for tomorrow). “The five stamps each show a different way of giving, but together they tell one story: that of connectedness. In that sense, they are more than a visual tribute to fifty years of the King Baudouin Foundation: they convey a universal message, namely that giving in all its forms, big or small, connects us. And that the most beautiful birthday gift for 2026 would be that we, more than ever, care for each other.” The stamps will thus end up in the hands of people who are not yet familiar with the mission and scope of the Foundation. “In 2026, thanks to the anniversary, we will naturally be in the spotlight a bit more, and we are happy to focus that on the projects, themes, and people that deserve genuine attention. In doing so, we create new opportunities: to inspire people, to reach new philanthropists, and to give strong initiatives more visibility.” Source: bpost.be  

Analysis of issuance

The sheet features a different form of 'giving' as a theme. In fact, five different types. That reminds me of our New Dutch Design editions from 2025 (rituals) and 2026 (recurring memories). The difference is that bpost issues 1 sheet of 'giving', whereas our issues have already been running for two years, with four sheets each year (cash in!). Do you see the similarities and differences between New Dutch Design and the 50 Years of King Baudouin Foundation editions?  

<strong> More info: </strong>

King Baudouin Foundation: https://50yearskbf.be/nl/