ASBL (Belgian non-profit)
What it is
The ASBL is governed by the Belgian Code of companies and associations. It has articles published in the Belgian Official Gazette, a company number at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, a general meeting, a board, and it files its accounts every year. It may have economic activities, even as its main activity since the 2019 reform, as long as it does not distribute profits to its members or directors. Its cousins: the AISBL (international association) and the foundation, private or of public utility.
What it means for digital
- Several publics to serve at once: members, beneficiaries, volunteers, subsidising authorities, donors, press
- An often small team, with volunteers who change: tools must outlive people
- Mandatory legal notice on the website: full name with the legal form, registered office, company number, contact address
- Personal data from the members' list onwards: the GDPR applies as to a company
- Accounts to give: activity report, justification of grants, where an up-to-date website and a clean CRM save days
How the programme selects
The programme welcomes small and medium-sized Belgian ASBLs with a clear societal goal and a real need for a website or a tool, preferably after one to three years of activity: enough to have content and a contact person, not enough to already have a communication department. Selection does not look at the budget; it looks at the goal, the need, and the presence of a person who decides. Public utility foundations and AISBLs can apply if they meet the same size criteria.
What the programme checks at the first conversation
- Published articles and an active company number at the Crossroads Bank
- A contact person who decides, reachable, and a second one for continuity
- Content ready or in preparation: texts, photos with consents, up-to-date contact details
- The domain name in the association's name, or the will to get one
- A societal goal that can be said in one sentence, and a real need for a website or a tool
In Kern4Good
The whole price ladder of the Pricing page is reserved for recognised Belgian associations: ASBL, public utility foundations, AISBL. A company, even with a social purpose, belongs to KernWeb at the agency rate. Every delivered website includes the association's legal notice and a privacy policy. To get started, see the Are you an association? page.
Further reading
Can an informal association take part?
The programme requires a recognised Belgian association, in practice an ASBL. An informal association can become an ASBL in a few weeks, with articles and a publication in the Official Gazette; talk to us about it.
What about a foundation or an AISBL?
Public utility foundations and AISBLs can apply if they meet the size and goal criteria. The decision is taken case by case.
Can an ASBL sell services on its website?
Yes, an ASBL may have economic activities as long as it does not distribute profits. An online shop or ticketing however goes beyond the showcase website: it is a linked tool, quoted separately.
Do we need to be VAT-registered to work with the programme?
No. The ladder prices are stated excluding VAT; a non-registered ASBL pays VAT without recovering it, like an individual. It has to be taken into account in the budget.