COCOF

The Commission communautaire française (COCOF) is a key institution serving the approximately 900,000 French-speaking residents of the Brussels-Capital Region. It is responsible for regulating and overseeing various aspects of daily life, encompassing areas such as professional training, school transportation, health, social assistance, tourism, and culture. COCOF's mission is to enhance the quality of life for the Francophone community in Brussels by implementing policies and programs that address their specific needs. This includes approving and regulating matters that directly impact the daily lives of its constituents. In an effort to streamline administrative processes, COCOF has encouraged associations to utilize the IRISbox platform for submitting applications for discretionary grants since January 1, 2023. This procedure became mandatory on April 1, 2023, offering several advantages: Eliminating the need to search for specific project manager email addresses. Reducing the risk of applications being lost in spam folders. Minimizing the chance of omitting necessary information or documents. Enabling real-time tracking of application progress. Providing a consistent solution harmonized with other Brussels administrations. COCOF actively supports cultural initiatives, such as the JEM International Puppet Festival, held from May 22 to 31, 2026, at the Théâtre Royal du Perruchet, and the 40th edition of the Brussels Babel Festival, celebrated from May 7 to 9, 2026, at the Jacques Franck Cultural Center. To promote volunteering, COCOF offers free volunteer insurance to associations, aligning with the 2005 law that mandates insurance coverage for volunteers. Additionally, COCOF's PHARE Service participates in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing inclusion in educational settings. COCOF also provides a compassionate listening service to support individuals experiencing situations of violence, demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of the Francophone community in Brussels.