Umbrella organisation

A shared legal and financial structure for networks and collectives

Open Collective Europe (OCE) is a Belgian public utility foundation (fondation d’utilité publique) that offers fiscal hosting services to initiatives aligned with our mission and values. As an umbrella organisation, OCE provides a shared legal, financial, and administrative framework for networks, coalitions, and multi-project structures.

Each initiative under the umbrella operates as an individual project on the Open Collective platform, with its own public page, budget, and financial tools. However, all initiatives function under the same fiscal host: OCE. This structure allows networks or movements to support diverse actions while benefiting from unified legal and financial management.

Benefits of being part of OCE

• Simplified legal framework: Initiatives can operate without establishing their own legal entity, avoiding the complexities of setting up a nonprofit, including opening a bank account and managing bookkeeping.

• Access to financial tools: Utilize the Open Collective platform to manage budgets, receive donations, and process expenses transparently.

• Grant eligibility: Hosted initiatives can apply for funding from foundations and public authorities, including local grants, state funding, and international grantmakers like the EU.

• Administrative support: OCE handles tax filings, provides necessary receipts to donors, and manages annual financial reporting.

• Community and network building: Being part of OCE connects initiatives to a broader community of like-minded projects and potential collaborators.

Responsibilities and alignment

As part of OCE, initiatives must:

• Align with our mission: All hosted initiatives should be consistent with OCE’s mission and impact areas.

• Adhere to legal restrictions: Initiatives must comply with the limitations applicable to Belgian public utility foundations, such as restrictions on political and religious activities.

• Maintain transparency: Financial activities should be conducted transparently through the Open Collective platform.

Examples of umbrella structures we support

• Solidarity networks with local chapters: Providing a unified structure for various local groups working towards a common cause.

• International movements with regional collectives: Facilitating coordination and support across different regions.

• Programs and spin-offs from existing initiatives: Allowing new projects to emerge and grow under the umbrella of established organizations.