For DOEN, communication is not a side issue but a way of accelerating change. By sharing our partners’ stories, we demonstrate that things can be done differently and inspire others to take action. This work was more important than ever in 2025. At a time of polarisation and increasing pressure on civil society organisations, there is a growing need for hopeful, inspiring examples.
Encouraging news
With the Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij, we highlighted our partners’ stories for the general public. The Postcode Loterij Buurtfonds’ publicity campaigns showed how community projects are making a difference in neighbourhoods. Through the Vergroen Je Buurt campaign, we reached new target audiences and supported more than 140 projects.
The Fair Future Challenge brought sustainable and socially responsible consumer products to the attention of a broad audience, in part through coverage by media outlets such as De Telegraaf, De Ondernemer and MT/Sprout. Through the Challenge, we showed people how accessible sustainable choices can be.
Wider reach, greater impact
With the Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij, we brought pioneers’ stories to millions of households through mailings, online channels and TV programmes. We also expanded our own reach, with DOEN Foundation gathering more than 16,000 followers on LinkedIn by the end of 2025.
We collaborated with media partners such as Happy Times Magazine and The Green Times, and local creators from the Kalaverse and ZAM produced stories about our partners in places such as Mali, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They demonstrated just how powerful authentic storytelling can be in offering hope, a sense of possibility, and fresh representations.
Video Tebere Arts Foundation
Improving our findability
We want to identify and support the right initiatives. With this in mind, in 2025 we worked to establish a clear profile and revamped the DOEN Foundation, DOEN Ventures and VriendenLoterij Fonds websites.
Our online Quick Scan tool helps potential applicants to see if their idea is eligible for support. This helps us ensure that applications received are more relevant and makes it easier for people to approach us.
The power of storytelling
By sharing authentic stories, as told by people, communities and initiatives themselves, we show what change looks like in practice. Witnessing it from their perspectives and within their contexts lets us see what societal transitions mean in people’s everyday lives. Their words illuminate not only individual projects but also the wider movement they are part of.
Storytelling helps us to offer a positive, forward-looking perspective, counterbalancing polarisation and negative news coverage. Our communications contribute to our mission just as our funding does, by showing that a different, more sustainable and more inclusive society is possible.
Stories we shared in 2025
TommyTomato helps children to enjoy healthy vegetarian meals at primary school. They deliver hot lunches featuring plenty of vegetables and make learning about food fun through activities and cooking lessons. Founders Erik van der Plas and Bas Turk talked to us about healthy eating, the impact they’re making, and how DOEN Ventures is helping them to grow.
Read the story
Content House Kenya, a collective of filmmakers, photographers, writers and artists, creates and shares stories that are important to society but often underrepresented in the media. The organisation trains and collaborates with a new generation of creatives.
Read the story