What is the difference between ‘dation’ and ‘donation’ in Belgium?

Dation is a system that enables one to settle inheritance tax in kind through, for instance, giving works of art instead of cash. Such an act is thus a transaction, not philanthropy. KBF does not engage in this kind of transaction.

Donation, on the other hand, involves making a philanthropic gesture that can take any of various forms, including money, works of art and real estate. Assets donated to KBF (e.g. works of art) are given with the aim of preserving them for future generations. KBF ensures that the works it acquires are promoted and made accessible to the general public, in line with the donors’ wishes.