PHILIPSBURG:--- Foundation Cooperative Funds (Samenwerkende Fondsen) assists NGOs by providing funds for social and community based projects. During 2013 a total of 12 projects were funded.
For 2014 the Advisory Council envisions to increase the number of project grants for St. Maarten. In order to meet the needs of the NGOs and Foundations, and encourage more organizations to apply for project grants, the Council is increasing its activities.
Recently the Advisory Council underwent some changes. Ms. Urla Granger has taken over the Treasurer position from Mr. Perry Wilson and Jose Sommers started as the new Project Advisor. She takes over from Mr. Leon Lake and Saskia Kliphuis, who have been very instrumental in assisting the NGOs on St. Maarten for the past two years.
Cooperative Funds will open its office in the Back Street twice per week. Interested persons and NGOs are invited to visit the office to discuss their project ideas, receive forms and assistance. The office is located in the Parish Hall right opposite the Cultural center at Backstreet 49 in Philipsburg. Opening hours will be on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursdays from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.
The Advisory Council Cooperative Funds is looking forward to assist the NGOs in 2014 and welcomes project proposal initiatives. On Saturday February 22nd, an information session will be held for all NGOs who are interested in requesting grants for their social or community projects. The session will take place in the Parish Hall in the back street from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. During this afternoon, information will be given on the funding policy 2014-2016, type of projects that can be funded, the application forms and procedures.
For additional information, NGOs and Foundations can contact Jose Sommers at 556 0808 or visit the office during the opening hours. More general information and application forms for grants can be found on the website: www.samenwerkendefondsen.org.