By Foresee Foundation
The Oranje Fonds is opening doors for young changemakers through its Impulse Fund Verschilmakers: Jong! – a funding opportunity designed to support youth-led initiatives that strengthen communities. Aimed at individuals ages 12 to 29 across the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, the fund recognizes that young people are not just future leaders, they are already actively shaping more inclusive and connected societies.
The program offers financial contributions ranging from approximately US $500 to $2,500 for projects that run between three and 12 months. The fund prioritizes initiatives that take place over time and clearly demonstrate how they contribute to a fairer, more equal, or more connected society. Projects can be led by youth organizations or informal groups of at least three young people, as long as one member is 18 or older.
Eligible initiatives can include activities created by young people for their peers, or projects that bridge gaps between different groups in society. Funding can be used for practical needs such as materials, venue rentals, promotional content, workshops, and even the costs of formally registering a foundation. However, the fund does not cover salaries for initiators or volunteers, reinforcing its emphasis on community-driven, voluntary engagement. Importantly, applicants do not need to be part of a formal organization to apply. If selected, they can partner with an existing foundation or social enterprise to receive the funds.
A local example of the fund’s impact can be seen in the work of SIVLL Society Foundation through their “Island Investigators” project. This initiative empowers young people to explore and engage with their local environment to co-create a Wikipedia-style website of local knowledge. Through curiosity, independent exploration and guidance, young people ages 14 to 20 are invited to transform their questions about St. Martin into digital content that serves the whole community. “We are grateful to Oranje Fonds for their support that enables young people to bring their ideas to life. We would highly encourage other youth to apply!” says SIVLL Society Founder, Sahar Thomson.
The Island Investigators registration deadline is April 19. Potential applicants must apply as a team of two via the website sivllsociety.org/island-investigators. For more information, follow @SIVLLSOCIETY on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn or Facebook. Anyone interested to learn more can also contact SIVLL Society at +1 (721) 584-7985.
By providing both structure and resources, the Impulse Fund enabled the Island Investigators project to move from idea into execution. In a time when young voices are increasingly vital in addressing social challenges, the Impulse Fund Verschilmakers: Jong! offers more than just financial support, it provides validation, encouragement, and a platform for meaningful, youth-led change. The next deadline for the Impulse Fund is June 1.
For more information, head to oranjefonds.nl/hey-verschilmaker
