Young people aged 12 to 29 in the Dutch Caribbean can apply for funding from the Oranje Fonds starting in April 2025 for their social projects. With the Impulse Fund Verschilmakers: Jong!, the Oranje Fonds aims to encourage young people to contribute to a more connected and social society.
Youth engagement
The involvement of young people is essential for strengthening social connections. To encourage a new generation of social changemakers, the Oranje Fonds and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW) are providing funding for youth-led initiatives. Young people between 12 and 29 years old can apply for grants ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 AWG/XCG or 500 to 2,500 USD through the Impulse Fund Verschilmakers: Jong! Applications will be reviewed by a youth panel.
Seeing opportunities
Young people often recognize opportunities in the challenges they observe around them. A great example of a successful project is YouthsWEAR. Angella once found only one shirt in her size at a clothing market. "I joked to my youth coach that I could do better. And well, I really did!" she says. Together with two other young people, she started organizing her own events. Since then, YouthsWEAR has been providing free clothing to young people who struggle to afford it. "It started small, but now we've outgrown our community center and established our own foundation."
Making a positive impact
The Oranje Fonds is looking for young people who want to start a project together that positively contributes to society and creates value for others. For more information, funding criteria, and the application form, visit https://www.oranjefonds.nl/verschilmakers-jong-money-your-social-project.
Youth panel
A diverse panel of 12 young people will evaluate all applications from the Caribbean and the Netherlands. Two members of the panel grew up in the Caribbean and are familiar with the social and economic context of the islands. Their insights help ensure that the Caribbean perspective is well represented in the selection process. Each year, assessment days take place in February, April, June, September, and November. To submit a project for the upcoming review round in June, applications must be received by June 1, 2025.
About the Oranje Fonds
Everyone matters. That is why Oranje Fonds is committed to building a society where people take care of each other, have equal opportunities, and feel connected to those around them. The Oranje Fonds supports social initiatives with funding, knowledge, and networks.
