Wherever they operate, Group companies support solidarity and development initiatives. Tailored to address local challenges, these initiatives vary depending on the region and its socio-economic circumstances. They are also tied to the nature of the work carried out by Group companies (large-scale projects completed in short time frames or recurring work), as well as to the presence or not of Group companies over the long term, etc.
Vía 40 Express, a subsidiary of VINCI Highways (VINCI Concessions), which operates the concession for the Bogotá–Girardot motorway in Colombia, opened Vía Esperanza, a reception area for refugees fleeing the economic and political crisis in Venezuela. Supported by the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Vía Esperanza offers a place where around 100 migrants can rest, change their clothes, get something to drink and eat, and receive essential information about their journey. For the youngest refugees, this space also includes a baby section, a mobile library and even a colouring area. In addition, Vía 40 Express has created a sustainable trade guide to promote local entrepreneurs, producers, farmers and/or artisans who are located along this route and offer sustainable and responsible products and/or services. By showcasing them in this way, VINCI Highways is supporting and promoting local workers, contributing to the local economy, and raising awareness among users and communities on local and responsible consumption.
Since it was launched 14 years ago, the Initiatives Sogea-Satom pour l’Afrique (Issa) programme has supported social entrepreneurship projects and access to essential services through both financial assistance and skills-based sponsorship by employees. It involves local projects initiated in various areas (education, health, energy, local crafts, food production self-sufficiency, etc.) with a special focus on female project initiators. To date, Issa has supported 306 projects for a total of more than €5.2 million in 22 countries. In 2021, 24 new economic and social initiatives were supported, for a total budget of €507 thousand.
The key projects funded include:
Activities of Issa (Initiatives Sogea-Satom pour l’Afrique) in 2021
| Number of projects supported | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to essential services | Social entrepreneurship | Total | Number of countries involved | Total amount paid (in € thousands) | |
| 2021 | 13 | 11 | 24 | 10 | 507 |
| 2020 | 22 | 4 | 26 | 13 | 485 |
| 2019 | 18 | 14 | 32 | 15 | 649 |
The VINCI Group encourages civic engagement on the part of its companies and employees, at the heart of the various regions, through its corporate foundations and endowment funds. Local projects that support social and professional integration for underprivileged people are a key focus. Since 2002, 16 structures or programmes have been set up around the world to offer opportunities for all Group employees to get involved and support non-profits in their communities. VINCI NZ Foundation, a new structure created in New Zealand in 2021, is led by VINCI Construction’s local subsidiary HEB Construction and Electrix, the local subsidiary of VINCI Energies.
Taking action within the legal framework for sponsorship operations, the corporate foundations outline their strategic goals for five years at a time. In June 2021, the board of directors of the Fondation VINCI pour la Cité looked back on an exceptional year in 2020 and presented its new outlook for the next five-year period from 2022 to 2026. It will continue to build on the foundation’s mission, while adjusting its actions following the consequences of the health crisis and feedback from the non-profit organisations working on the ground: aligning actions as closely as possible with the needs of disadvantaged communities, facilitating career guidance and providing support for young people.
In 2021, Group companies contributed close to €6.2 million to these foundations, which supported around 490 projects to help people facing difficulties with their return to work. In all the regions where VINCI operates, around 1,330 employees donated their time to support solidarity actions. VINCI Solidarity, the dedicated engagement platform for employees across the Group, makes it easier for them to get involved. Launched during the health crisis, this platform is constantly evolving and offers opportunities for missions with new national and local non-profits.
6.2 M€ in funding provided to non-profits by the Group’s foundations
To accelerate the deployment of solidarity actions within the Group in four areas – inclusive purchasing, recruitment, sharing and innovation – the foundation launched Inclusion Campus, a seminar for VINCI’s leaders and managers who would like to learn more about how individuals and teams can get involved. Three sessions were held in 2021 for managers from VINCI Autoroutes, VINCI Construction France and VINCI Energies France.
To ramp up its team’s actions, the Fondation VINCI pour la Cité has built up a network of ambassadors since 2017. Around 80 employee volunteers have put themselves forward to support project initiators, promote employee engagement and improve follow-up on the actions carried out, ensuring that they are closely aligned with local needs.
