The Constellations Model: a unique lever for creating care places

Because the situation of people with disabilities in Belgium requires urgent and concrete answers, Constellations has chosen an innovative model: to accelerate the creation of new care places by supporting projects developed by other associations.

 

 

This approach, unique in its kind, is based on a simple principle: pooling expertise, funding, and networks to achieve fast and sustainable results.

How our model works

Our approach is built on several pillars:

 

 

  • A powerful leverage effect: every year, we launch a new project with a partner association, while continuing to follow previous ones until full completion.

  • Early-stage support: we help partner associations prepare their project and structure their action plan.

  • Marketing and sponsorship: we provide expertise to give projects maximum visibility.

  • Decisive initial funding: thanks to donations from individuals, private companies, and foundations, we contribute significant start-up funding. This investment serves as a guarantee and catalyst to attract further financing.

👉 In practice, we help our partners secure up to €2 million in additional funding from foundations with which we have built long-standing, trusted relationships.

These institutions particularly appreciate the reliability of Constellations and the fact that all our projects have been successfully completed.

 

 

  • Tailored support on request: we can also step in for negotiations with banks, discussions with construction companies, or administrative and political contacts.

  • A strong network: over the years, we have built a solid network across administrative and political circles.

  • Respect for autonomy: a key principle is that we never intervene in the internal management of partner associations (educational projects, staff recruitment, day-to-day operations). This allows us to stay efficient and focused on results.


The results of our model

Our approach has proven highly effective:

 

  • 2006 – 2013: 3 homes opened directly by Constellations.

  • 2014 – 2024: 7 homes opened in partnership with other associations.

  • Today: 5 active projects are under development.

 

 

👉 The outcome: an amplified impact thanks to our role as facilitator, enabling the rapid and sustainable creation of inclusive care homes for people with intellectual disabilities.