Fundraising, how do you do that?

25 October 2025

Many social organizations want to make more use of funds. But the world of funds is quite complicated. How do you start and which fund is suitable for your organization? That’s why we organized a workshop on this topic.Why do organizations want to apply for funding? For volunteer training, for a van to transport people to fun places, for symposiums, for research, for volunteer allowances, for a digital playboard, operating costs, the design of a rooftop terrace… Workshop leader Deny de Jong immediately explains that funds generally do not want to cover structural costs.

The world of funds

Most funds are independent organizations with their own mission and assets. They often exist for decades, sometimes even longer. In the Netherlands, there are about 1500 – 2000 of them, including some very small ones. There are also funds from entrepreneurs, such as TomTom and Joop van den Ende. Collectively, they receive thousands of applications per year. One out of three to one out of five applications is approved. When looking for a fund to apply to, it is good to see what their mission is and if it aligns with yours.

CBF

Many funds require an ANBI status and want you to be a legal entity (foundation, association). With a CBF certification, funds aim to be less strict in the future regarding organizations’ requirements for applications.

Benefits of money through a fund

You will receive money relatively quickly, within two to six months.
Suitable for concrete expenses
Applying multiple times to the same fund is allowed
A long-lasting relationship also brings a network.

Disadvantages of money through a fund

Can you meet the expectations that a fund has? Think of accountability, attending meetings.
The first request requires more effort
Accountability
Costs incurred prior to the award will not be reimbursed.
Usually no operating costs (staff, location rent)
You generally cannot object to a rejection.

What social issue are you solving?

To prepare for a grant application, it is useful to first map out the social issue that your organization addresses. Question each other in your organization about these matters to make it as clear as possible and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Answer the following questions to put your plan on paper:

What is the reason for your existence? What problem do you solve?
What is the urgency of the problem? Why does this need to be done now?
Who are you doing this for and why?
What is your solution?
How are you going to approach this?
What do you need for this? (not just in the form of money, but also for example help from neighbors, a location, etc.)
How can you demonstrate that your solution works? How will you measure the impact?
Has this been tried before? Can you use that knowledge?
Who is the requesting organization? Can you deliver what you have planned?

Transparency and coverage plan

Be transparent in your budget and your activities to maintain trust. Operating costs cannot be included in your application unless they are start-up costs. Exceptions are: Postcode Lottery, Franciscus Fund, and other Funding+ funds.

Ensure that you specify in your coverage plan which funds you are applying to in order to cover the budget. Specify the costs in the budget (but not to the decimal point), do not mention the requested amount per fund.

The search

Where can you find funding? There are several ways to find funding:

Funds Book 2022
fondsenzoeken.nl
fondseninnederland.nl/fondsen
vermoegnsfondsen.startpagina.nl
ANBI register
Annual reports of other organizations (from whom have they received funds?)
www.vca.nu/amsterdamse-fondsen-op-een-rij

Tips

If you are going to make a request, be prepared to be questioned about the social issue by someone who knows little or nothing about your organization. This will lead to fresh questions and a sharp perspective.
Add stories/quotes to your request to the target audience about the impact/why your solution works.
Start by addressing one, maximum 2-3 funds.
First write the project plan, then fill in the forms online at the funds.
If your project plan has many pages, make sure to include a summary at the beginning.
For relationship with donors: invite them to the start or completion of an activity that has been realized with their funding. And write a thank you note.
A fundraiser is in support, the fund wants to contact the board and the executor(s).

Read the detailed pdfHow do you apply to a wealth fund?