Working together for a better future
Through the VriendenLoterij Fonds, in 2024 we supported 37 social enterprises and projects working to create a world where everyone participates. These partners give people facing inequality of opportunity a chance to fully take part in society. Het Bouwdepot and the Jongeren Perspectief Fonds demonstrate how an innovative approach rooted in trust helps young people to build futures for themselves. Social enterprises such as Het Theezaakje and Trashure Taarten create meaningful jobs for people who face difficulties finding work, challenging the business world to take a different view of employees. Umbrella organisations such as Twinpact and LaNSCO unite individual social enterprises so they can stand stronger together. Twinpact, for example, has set up a sales platform where companies and authorities can easily buy from socially responsible and sustainable companies.
The VriendenLoterij Fonds also works to create space for radical imagination. In 2024, the fund supported 62 art and cultural projects that are operating at the heart of society, critically questioning the world and involving people from all walks of life. One, Oproer, is helping the theatre sector to renew itself by giving young, engaged creators access to stages and audiences thanks to a special grant from the VriendenLoterij. Another example is the Waardeloze Winkel, a “shop” where people can bring in worthless objects for appraisal and gain fresh insight into the concept of value.
In 2024 we presented the third season of the podcast Wij zijn kunstenaar, in which Dide Vonk and guests discuss whether art can bring about change, and if so, how. We also supported Studio 52nd, where schools work with theatre makers to bring young people’s voices around difficult topics to the stage.