The BNP Paribas Portugal Foundation selected two non-profit organizations for the first edition of the program “Future with Meaning”, an initiative that aims to improve employment opportunities and combat social exclusion of young people aged 16 to 34 who are not working, not studying, and not attending training, or who are at risk of entering this situation, the foundation announced in a statement.
According to the same source, the selected entities were TESE – Association for Development, with the project “Faz-Te Forward”, and Lifeshaker – Association, with “Jobs Airport – Open Gates”. In addition to financial support, both will benefit from BNP Paribas Portugal professionals’ collaboration, through skills-based volunteering, the possibility of using the bank’s facilities, and the donation of computer and office equipment.
The initiative arises in a context where more than 185,000 young people in Portugal neither study nor work nor attend training, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) cited by the Foundation. In the first quarter of 2026, the rate of youths in this situation was 8.7%. Among those who were in this condition in the last quarter of 2025, only 18.4% transitioned into employment at the beginning of 2026, while 15% moved on to education or training.
“At the BNP Paribas Foundation, we believe that employment is the most effective means of creating an inclusive society,” says Luciana Peres, president of the BNP Paribas Foundation Portugal. The leader considers it essential to empower new generations and create more equitable opportunities, arguing that the program aims to provide a concrete response to the difficulties faced by young people.
“By supporting these two projects, we are not merely allocating financial resources; we are also mobilizing the skills of BNP Paribas Portugal’s nearly 10,000 employees, creating bridges between these young people and the world of work,” adds she.
From Skills Development to Professional Experience
TESE, a non-governmental development organization with more than 18 years of experience, will implement “Faz-Te Forward” in the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas. The project aims to support 60 young people aged 18 to 34, through the development of personal and social skills relevant to employability, mentoring, workshops, contact with reference professionals, and on-the-job training.
“After more than 10 years of developing Faz-Te Forward, this selection represents recognition of consistent work in youth employability, and the opportunity to take it further with a partner who shares the same conviction: that all young people have potential and deserve space to develop it,” says Joana Mendonça, executive director of TESE.
Lifeshaker will develop the project “Jobs Airport – Open Gates” in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, with a special focus on residents of social housing neighborhoods. The initiative foresees the creation of personalized transition plans for young people aged 16 to 34, using tools such as mentoring, interview simulations, company visits, short internships, and real-world work experiences.
“Being one of the winners of Future with Meaning is much more than financial support; it is a vote of confidence in our ability to create real opportunities for young people who face greater barriers,” emphasizes Tiago Aires, impact lead at Lifeshaker. He believes the partnership will help consolidate the association’s work in Almada and demonstrate the contribution of the investment to transforming the paths of youth and the communities where they live.
The selection of the two organizations took into account their experience working with NEET youths, the capacity to implement the projects, and the alignment of the projects with the Foundation’s objectives. With this first edition, the Foundation aims to strengthen the link between the business sector and social organizations, promoting opportunities for professional integration for vulnerable young people.
