Pour la Solidarité

What Pour la Solidarité does

Pour la Solidarité (PLS) is a Belgian non-profit association (ASBL) founded in 2002 and headquartered in Brussels, operating as a European "think & do tank." The organization conducts applied policy research, coordinates transnational European projects, and runs three thematic observatories focused on social solidarity, social economy, diversity, sustainable transition, and citizen participation. PLS serves four primary constituencies: public institutions (particularly EU-level bodies and member-state agencies), social economy actors, vulnerable populations, and private-sector clients seeking advisory input on social-policy matters. Its core deliverables are research reports, observatory publications, policy recommendations, training curricula, and locally delivered programs such as BoostIT, MentorYou, DigiYou, Voix des Mères, MONOPEDIA, and Kids friendly.

PLS's business model is a hybrid of grant-funded project coordination and fee-based consulting. The dominant revenue stream comes from coordinating or participating in EU-funded transnational projects under programs such as Erasmus+, Interreg, and COSME, with budgets typically ranging from sub-EUR 1M to multi-million-EUR multi-year envelopes. The organization maintains 20+ concurrently active projects across the 27 EU member states and is a member of the SOLIDAR network of European civil society organizations. The organization employs between 11 and 50 staff in Brussels, with project delivery executed through transnational consortia of partner NGOs, municipalities, and research institutions. Consulting services to public and private clients provide a secondary, supplementary revenue stream, and thematic observatories function as both research assets and relationship-maintenance mechanisms with policy stakeholders.

Name

Pour la Solidarité

Legal name

Pour la Solidarité PLS, association sans but lucratif de droit belge

Website

https://pourlasolidarite.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pour la Solidarité is a Brussels-based Belgian non-profit think & do tank, founded in 2002, that coordinates transnational EU projects, operates three thematic observatories, and delivers consulting and local programs on social solidarity, social economy, diversity, and sustainable transition for EU institutions, social economy actors, and vulnerable populations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Policy Research and Consulting

NAICS

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAFAO

Think Tanks, Policy Research & Public Policy Institutes

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Civil Rights, Advocacy & Public Policy Organizations

SECONDARYEDADADAA

Education Policy Research Institutes & Think Tanks

Education/Education Administration, Accreditation & Policy/Education Policy, Research & Think Tanks

Keywords

• Policy research services
• European project coordination
• Social economy consulting
• Nonprofit think tank
• Civic education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Brussels

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Project-based funding (European programs): Non-profit organization primarily funded through European funding programs including Erasmus+, Interreg, and COSME for transnational projects. The organization functions as an independent think & do tank engaged in research, consulting, and field action rather than commercial revenue generation.
2. Consulting and advisory services: Expertise provided to public and private actors engaged in solidarity through training, strategic consulting, influence strategy, and networking services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Pour la Solidarité is an independent European think & do tank that conducts socio-economic and political policy research on European social solidarity, sustainable development, social economy, diversity, and citizen participation. It produces research publications, coordinates transnational European projects funded by programs such as Erasmus+, Interreg, and COSME, maintains three thematic observatories, and delivers consulting, training, and field actions for public and private actors engaged in solidarity across all 27 EU member states.

Product overview

Pour la Solidarité is a European independent think & do tank organized around a four-pillar approach: Understand (research and publications), Connect (transnational European projects), Support (consulting and expertise services), and Act (local actions in Belgium). The organization operates three thematic European observatories covering social economy, diversity, and ecological transition. Its core offerings include research publications, European project coordination across 27 EU member states, consultance services, and community-based local actions addressing social affairs, professional insertion, and citizen participation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Observatoire européen de l'Economie Sociale (ess-europe.eu): European Observatory of the Social Economy
• Observatoire européen de la Diversité (diversite-europe.eu)
• Observatoire européen de la Transition (transition-europe.eu)

Products and services

• Publications Research publications including analysis notes (Notes d'analyse), studies and case files (Études et dossiers), newsletters (Notes d'actualités), policy papers (Cahiers), educational tools (Outils pédagogiques), and activity reports focused on social affairs, social economy, diversity, sustainable development, and citizen participation. Target audience includes policymakers, researchers, social economy actors, and the general public for civic education.
• European Projects Transnational project coordination and implementation addressing themes including disability inclusion, ecological transition, youth employment, gender equality, agro-food digitization, food aid, digital skills for seniors, cycle logistics, citizenship, HORECA training, volunteering capacity-building, and HR carbon neutrality. Funded through Erasmus+, Interreg, and COSME programs across all 27 EU member states.
• Thematic Observatories Three European thematic observatories providing documentary resources: European Social Economy Observatory (ess-europe.eu), European Diversity Observatory (diversite-europe.eu), and European Transition Observatory (transition-europe.eu). Deliver ongoing monitoring, documentation, and analytical resources on each thematic axis for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Local Actions Community-based field projects in Belgium including support for single mothers (Voix des Mères, MONOPEDIA, Kids friendly), professional insertion programs (BoostIT, MentorYou), and digital inclusion (DigiYou). Implemented with Belgian public partners such as CPAS de la Ville de Bruxelles to support vulnerable populations including NEET youth, single mothers, and people with disabilities.
• Consultance & Accompagnement Expertise services for public and private actors engaged in solidarity, including training, support for creation and development of transnational projects, strategic consulting, influence strategy, and networking. Clients include European institutions, governments, social economy associations, and companies seeking CSR and diversity support.
• Events & Webinars Organization of conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars on themes including socio-professional insertion, mentoring, disability, ecological transition, and citizen participation. Events are held as part of project dissemination and civic education.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SMART (Belgium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2024Belgian social economy actor co-organizing apéro-débat on European elections 2024 with Pour la Solidarité. SMART and Pour la Solidarité share common advocacy for social Europe and solidarity-based economic models.
• Proxité (France)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024French partner in the BOOST AVENIR project (Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen) aimed at fostering socio-professional integration of youth aged 15-25 through mentoring. Project developed innovative tools and facilitated cross-border practice exchanges.
• Le Comité du Secours Populaire de Roubaix (France)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022Coordinator of the FAMOUS project (Erasmus+) which aims to help volunteers, precarious employees, and association users recognize and valorize their skills. Project involves 5 European partners from 3 member states.
• CKM – Centre for Knowledge ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Partner in the NWoW4Net-Zero project (2022-2024), a 24-month Erasmus+ supported initiative aimed at positioning HR professionals as key players in contributing to the EU's carbon neutrality ambition by 2050. CKM serves as the project coordinator from North Macedonia.
• Htag by Références (Belgium)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Partner in the NWoW4Net-Zero project focused on developing toolboxes for HR professionals regarding new ways of working, sustainable mobility, and digital carbon footprint reduction. Based in Belgium.
• Tal Tech – Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Academic partner in the NWoW4Net-Zero project contributing expertise on new ways of working and sustainable organizational practices. Located in Estonia.
• C & R – Conseil & Recherche (France)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2022Research and consulting partner in the NWoW4Net-Zero project focusing on HR transformation and sustainable work practices. Based in France.
• Evolio (Belgium)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian partner in the NEETWork European project focused on equipping integration professionals to address challenges faced by NEET youth. Project creates local and transnational community of practitioners.
• L'Université de Paris (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the FAMOUS project contributing research expertise on skills recognition and empowerment of people in precarious situations.
• Coopésia (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in FAMOUS project - cooperative specializing in social innovation strategies that adapt social interventions to the needs of people in precarious situations.
• STEA (Roumanie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRomanian field association partner in FAMOUS project focused on supporting marginalized people through education and empowerment to overcome obstacles to social inclusion.
• Les Insatiables (Groupe SOS, France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of the APIA Erasmus+ project aimed at improving knowledge and technical skills of professionals supporting autistic adults regarding nutrition, well-being, and autonomy.
• Active, Pôle de l'économie solidaire (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of ECHOP Erasmus+ project which trains food aid leaders to diversify their supply sources through good practices gallery and online training.
• ESS FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of CAPSE Erasmus+ project aimed at achieving more gender equality at the top of leadership bodies in the social and solidarity economy.
• urbike SC (Belgium)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of CICLE Erasmus+ project aimed at developing a comprehensive and inclusive education program on bicycle logistics.
• La Chambre d'Économie Sociale et Solidaire de la Région PACA (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of PROCOPA project aimed at stimulating exchange and confrontation of ideas, sharing innovative practices regarding gender equality (Femme-Homme).
• Ville Métropolitaine de Rome Capitale (Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of SSPICE IT! Erasmus+ project developing a training program integrating sustainable development in HORECA professions.
• Chambre Régionale de l'Économie Sociale et Solidaire (CRESS PACA, France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional chamber organizing the 3rd regional conference on social and solidarity economy in Marseille, France, with participation from Pour la Solidarité.
• RTES, Avise, DIESIS Network, Forum SynergiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetworks co-organizing webinar on ESS and rural development in Europe with participation from Pour la Solidarité experts.
• Réseau des ScopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiators (since 2013) of the Rencontres Internationales de l'Innovation Sociale, partnered with Région Occitanie/Pyrénées-Méditerranée. Denis Stokkink, President of Pour la Solidarité, animates workshops.
• Alter'LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-editor with Pour la Solidarité of study on 'Just Transition' analyzing stakes and challenges of this solidarity concept intended to serve as a compass for future decisions.
• SOLIDAR (International network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network to which Pour la Solidarité associates for advocacy on social justice and just transition at EU level, including Social Justice Day initiatives.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Social Platform: European umbrella of social NGOs active across the EU on social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and participatory policy. Closely comparable to PLS in mission (social Europe advocacy), Brussels base, and EU funding reliance.
• SOLIDAR: Brussels-based international network of civil-society organizations working on social justice, just transition, and inclusive Europe — an explicit partner of PLS and the most directly comparable advocacy organization in the same policy niche.
• REVES (European Network of Cities and Regions for the Social Economy): Brussels-based network focused on the social and solidarity economy at local and regional level across Europe. Most directly comparable peer to PLS's ess-europe.eu observatory and social-economy thematic axis.
• Caritas Europa: Brussels-based European confederation of Caritas organizations active in social inclusion, anti-poverty, and migration policy. Comparable in NGO-driven social-advocacy mission, Brussels location, and EU project participation.
• FEPS (Foundation for European Progressive Studies): Brussels-based progressive think tank producing policy analysis, hosting events, and supporting member foundations across Europe. Comparable in think-tank + convening model and in addressing European social and economic policy audiences.
• ETUI (European Trade Union Institute): Brussels-based research and training center focused on social Europe, labor rights, and the world of work. Comparable in European social-policy research focus, multilingual publications, and proximity to Brussels policy debates.
• EAPN (European Anti-Poverty Network): European umbrella of NGOs and groups fighting against poverty and social exclusion. Highly comparable in Brussels-based advocacy, EU funding reliance, focus on vulnerable populations, and social-inclusion project work.

Broad incumbents

• European Policy Centre (EPC): Brussels-based think tank producing analysis across EU policy domains including social, economic, and sustainability issues. Overlapping policy remit and Brussels-based policy convening model make it a broad incumbent peer.
• Eurofound: EU agency providing research and data on living and working conditions across Europe. Comparable as a Brussels-area producer of social-policy research and monitoring, with significantly larger scale and institutional backing.
• CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies): One of Brussels's leading think tanks across the full range of EU policy areas. A larger, better-resourced incumbent that competes with PLS for policy mindshare and consulting mandates, particularly on social and economic policy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PLSOLIDARITE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pour-la-solidarit-
• Instagraminstagram.com/pls_news
• Xx.com/PLS_News

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Pour la Solidarité