Last week, the 25 finalists for the 2026 The Hague Volunteer Awards were announced. Five organizations, five teams, and fifteen residents have been nominated this year, representing volunteers from Ypenburg to Loosduinen and from the Scheveningen Boulevard, Mariahoeve to Spoorwijk. This year, 12-year-old Sophia de Groot is the youngest contender ever. She has been nominated in the Development and Youth category for her dedication to children with epilepsy.
Every year, the Municipality of The Hague shows its appreciation for volunteers from the city, among other things with a gift card and with this award ceremony. For Alderman Kavish Partiman, it is the first time he will present the award: ‘As the city government, we value our 185,000 volunteers. They demonstrate what we call “looking out for one another” in The Hague dialect. That is why, with the The Hague Volunteer Awards, we literally and figuratively put volunteers and organizations on a pedestal,’ he said on the volunteer radio program Haagse Helden with Jeanne Rutten.
The full list with more information can be found at denhaag.nl/vrijwilligersprijzen . The award ceremony is on Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2026, at ‘De Remise’.
Nominees for the Personal Volunteer Awards
There were 69 unique nominations for the individual awards of the 2026 The Hague Volunteer Awards. The jury selected 15 contenders (3 per category). During the awards ceremony, one winner will be chosen per category.
The Hague Volunteer Award 2026 Animal & Nature
For the past two years, an award has been presented in the Animal and Nature category. This award is for volunteers who dedicate themselves to animals or nature in The Hague. They contribute to a healthy and pleasant living environment in various ways. Examples include volunteers who help at the animal ambulance, a riding school, a petting zoo, or an animal shelter. Volunteers dedicated to bees, butterflies, or other animals and plants are also eligible for this award. Additionally, volunteers who assist with nature management fall under this category, for instance by maintaining parks, forests, and dunes, or by cleaning up litter. The nominees in this category are:
Rob Koning is active every year for the toad migration. On behalf of the Dutch Animal Protection Society, he manages around 80 volunteers in the Scheveningen district. This ensures that the toads, frogs, and salamanders can move safely.
Valentin Verheul has been caring for the animals at various city farms for nearly 30 years. He is currently helping out at City Farm De Reigershof. Valentin assists the managers with feeding and the animal enclosures , and interacts with visitors. He also helps with extra activities such as the sheep shearing festival.
Cathelijne van der Ree takes care of the cats, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs in the garden of Het Jacobahof. This community farm is located in the Schilderswijk. Cathelijne takes animals to the vet when necessary and supervises other volunteers on the farm.
The Hague Volunteer Award 2026 Development and Youth
The Development and Youth Award is for volunteers who dedicate themselves to the development of residents and to children and young people in The Hague up to the age of 18. For example, they provide language lessons to refugees, supervise youth activities, or help people further develop themselves so that they can actively participate in society. Volunteers who support young people in vulnerable situations are also eligible for this award.
Activities at schools also fall within this category. Think of help with lunchtime supervision, reading aloud, or homework support. Nominated in the Development and Youth category are:
Sophia de Groot is only 12 years old and dedicates herself to children with epilepsy through the Fietebeth Foundation. Sophia created the children’s book ‘Pinkie has epilepsy’ and devises many campaigns for children with this condition. She also helps out at Epilepsie NL.
Agnieszka Nieroda is a hostess at the Stichting POLKA location in Laak. They support Polish women to live more independently in the Netherlands. Agnieszka ensures that activities in Laak are well organized, welcomes visitors, and involves volunteers in the organization.
Huda Al Ammari volunteers for two organizations. At Thrive Lydia Generation, she organizes activities that contribute to the development of female migrants. She also maintains contact with partners from the city. At UNICEF Netherlands, she helps with campaigns for children’s rights.
The Hague Volunteer Award 2026 Neighborhood & Surroundings
The Neighborhood and Surroundings Award is for volunteers who make their neighborhood or district more beautiful, safer, and more pleasant. Think, for example, of volunteers who help with neighborhood watch, organize cleanup campaigns, or maintain a community garden. Through their efforts, they bring neighbors together and contribute to a pleasant living environment. The nominees in the Neighborhood and Surroundings category are:
Henny Laus has been making the Singels neighborhood in Ypenburg more pleasant, cleaner, and safer for over 20 years. Henny is committed to neighborhood crime prevention and is the chairperson of the residents’ association. In this role, she advises the municipality and organizes campaigns and activities, ranging from CPR courses to clean-up campaigns in the playground. Additionally, Henny is active for Feest in de Vinex, Veteranendag Den Haag, and the Embassy of The Hague.
Ramazan Odek is active for four organizations in Spoorwijk. He coordinates the Hobbytuinen Schimmelweg, manages the team of volunteers for neighborhood watch, organizes activities in the Community Room, and assists with projects of Duurzaam Den Haag.
Petra Beeloo is an event organizer in Loosduinen. She manages the Dickens Sewing Club, which creates beautiful costumes for the annual Dickens Festival every year. Petra also handles the administration of the Houtwijk neighborhood council.
The Hague Volunteer Award 2026 Care & Welfare
The Care and Welfare Award is for volunteers who dedicate themselves to people who need extra help. They support, for example, the elderly, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues, or people who struggle to make ends meet.
Volunteers in this category help in many different ways. For example, they provide support in a care home, assist with activities, or prepare meals. They also organize gatherings that reduce loneliness and bring people into contact with one another. Additionally, they dedicate themselves to refugees, people living in poverty, and homeless people. The contenders for the Care and Welfare category are:
Nirmala Pahladsingh Kamta supports elderly care at three healthcare organizations in The Hague. At the Hospital, HMC, and Florence Jonker Frans, she speaks with many patients to combat loneliness. Nirmala has always worked in healthcare and has continued to do so after her retirement.
Abdelilah Betar ensures that many families have warmer homes during the winter months and that energy bills remain lower. Through the Winterklaar team of the EnergieGelijk Foundation, he made around 500 curtains for many households in collaboration with the Vadercentrum. He is involved in measuring, sewing, and hanging, and also shares his knowledge with new volunteers.
Andjenie Autar is an ambassador for young caregivers. Together with PEP Den Haag, she opened a meeting place for young people who care for someone and employees of professional organizations. She is also active for the Longfonds.
The Hague Volunteer Award 2026 Art & Culture
The Art and Culture Prize is for volunteers who make art and culture possible in The Hague. They assist, for example, at a theatre, festival, museum, or cultural event. They welcome visitors, give tours, or work behind the scenes. Volunteers who dedicate themselves to monuments, cultural associations, or joint art and music activities are also eligible for this prize. The nominees in the Art and Culture category are:
Richard Kanters has been volunteering for The Hague’s nightlife for over 20 years through the Party-Mania Foundation. Richard manages the Stappen in Den Haag website and the Gone Out app, and contributes ideas regarding nighttime safety.
Simone Timme-Ottevanger has been the connector in the museum shop of the Museon-Omniversum Foundation for 14 years. In the museum, visitors of all ages are inspired for a sustainable future. Simone fosters connection within the volunteer team and with the organization.
Roger Vermeulen has been a volunteer tram driver for the historic trams of the Hague Public Transport Museum for more than 20 years. He also assists with the maintenance and restoration of the trams.
Nominees for The Hague Volunteer Team Award 2026
33 unique teams were registered for the Hague Volunteer Team Award 2026. The jury has selected 5 contenders. One of these five stands a chance to win the award as Volunteer Team. A team consists of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20 people. Together they are stronger than alone. By working well together, they achieve a great deal and are different from other teams. The teams vying for the Hague Volunteer Organization Award 2026 are, in random order:
Stichting Minimaatje helps people in poverty with affordable animal care. A small team of veterinarians and assistants treat pets that are sick or injured.
The Neighborhood Mothers are active as a group in the Gaarden and Dreven neighborhoods. Through activities such as neighborhood watch, coffee mornings, workshops, and health checks, they connect residents with one another. The Neighborhood Mothers actively collaborate with partners for a
liveable, safe, and engaged neighborhood.
Logeerhuis in Laak has been open for 2.5 years as a location for recovering from surgery or illness. The volunteers ensure that people feel at home and prepare meals.
Stichting De Vriend provides first aid for the homeless at the Koekamp. They do this with healthy meals, clothing, and personal care products.
The Claude Monet hospice team of the Eykenburg Foundation offers warmth and care to people in the final phase of their lives. They handle the housekeeping, maintain contact with the family, and support the care staff.
Nominees for The Hague Volunteer Organization Award 2026
Five organizations are in the running for the 2026 Hague Volunteer Organization Award. The Volunteer Organization Award is for foundations, associations, and charities that serve The Hague. The organization has at least 20 volunteers and devotes significant attention to recruiting, supporting, and appreciating volunteers. Volunteers feel welcome there and enjoy working there.
Twenty-eight organizations were nominated for the prize. They will receive a sum of money from the municipality that they can use for their volunteers. For example, for new clothing, an outing, or a course. The organizations in the running for the Hague Volunteer Organization of the Year 2026 prize are, in random order:
The Jacobshospice on Koningin Emmakade has over 100 volunteers who help with the care of people who are dying. They do this in various ways, such as cooking, garden maintenance, and also bedside assistance. There are 7 rooms.
3voor12 Den Haag is an online media channel for the Hague music scene. With interviews with emerging and experienced artists, and (photo) reports of concerts and festivals, the 40 volunteers have been active for nearly 25 years.
Stichting Participatie Keuken organizes weekly meals where everyone is welcome to join. They grow their own vegetables in the vegetable gardens. In this way, people meet each other, and unemployed people work their way back towards a paid job through volunteering.
Gebakplaats Den Haag is a network of over 70 hobby bakers who bake birthday cakes at home for children living in poverty. The hobby bakers pay for this themselves and deliver it to the birthday child as a surprise.
Stichting De Ooievaart is a canal cruise company through historic The Hague. More than 100 volunteer skippers and guides sail with tourists through the historic city center.
While the finalists of the Dutch National Surf Tour arrive in France this weekend, Scheveningen will remain dedicated to surfing for weeks to come.Following a sporting kick-off earlier this month, the new Surf City The Hague offers visitors an introduction to the diverse surf culture on the Hague coast until November 20.
From free surf clinics and international surf films to a festive celebration of the Dutch surfing elite: there is plenty to experience for surf enthusiasts in The Hague this autumn as well. On October 10, the best surfers in the Netherlands already came to The Hague for the second round of the Dutch National Surf Tour. They competed for a spot in the final, which will take place in France between October 25 and 30.
The competition was one of the highlights of Surf City The Hague , a new program celebrating the sport of surfing and its associated culture for seven weeks. Pat Smith of co-organizer Holland Surfing Association (HSA): “For many people, the beach is part of summer, but for surfers, the season only really starts after that.”
He continues: “Especially in the autumn, Scheveningen shows what a special surf spot it is. With Surf City, we want to make that world accessible to people who have never stood on a surfboard before.”
From free surf clinics to international surf films
For instance, there are surf events for beginners, enthusiasts, experts, and everyone in between. This past month, for instance, around forty young people from The Hague were able to get acquainted with the sport during surf clinics. Smith continues: “Some were offered for free or at a discount, so that young people for whom surfing is not naturally within reach could also get into the water. The first clinics were fully booked within a short time.”
For surfing on the big screen, there are also upcoming screenings of the documentary Schuim.The poignant film is about the surfing tragedy of May 11, 2020, in which five young surfers lost their lives. Following the premiere at Filmhuis Den Haag earlier this month, the documentary can still be seen at Flora Filmtheater in the coming days.
On November 7 and 8, water safety training courses are on the program, and Surf City concludes on November 20 with a festive celebration of the Dutch surf champions at surf school and restaurant Hart Beach.
Surfing in Scheveningen, all year round
Scheveningen has played an important role in Dutch surfing for decades. Young talent is trained there, top surfers train, and enthusiasts brave the waves all year round. With Surf City, the initiators aim to make this culture visible and accessible to a wider audience.
The first edition is a pilot to investigate how surfing can play an even greater role in the sporting, cultural, and social life of The Hague. Surf City Den Haag is organized by the HSA together with contractor Exventure Sports & Events, in collaboration with Stichting Formula.
Source: The Hague & Partners
Image:Surfing in The Hague comes to life in the autumn. (Photo: Wouter de Wolf)
The Dutch National Surf Tour in Scheveningen tookplaceon October 10. (photo: Wouter de Wolf)
Eight European cities that host international organizations are calling on the European Commission to actively contribute to the protection of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The joint appeal follows the far-reaching sanctions announced by the US government against the ICC. According to the mayors, not only is the future of the court at stake, but also the protection of the international legal order and of international organizations working worldwide for peace, justice, and security.
The appeal is made in a letter sent on October 27 to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The letter is signed by the mayors of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, The Hague, Lille, Paris, Rome, and Strasbourg. These cities have in common that they host international organizations that contribute to a better and safer world.
“It is our duty to ensure that they can do their work in a safe and independent manner,” the mayors write. “The sanctions imposed by the United States against the ICC, an institution established to provide justice for the most serious crimes affecting the international community, show that we cannot do this alone.”
Existential challenge
They also state that the burden of that protection cannot be borne by the individual host countries. “To ensure that the International Criminal Court can withstand this existential challenge, a coordinated global and European response is required.”
In their letter to the President of the European Commission, the eight mayors call this moment a litmus test. “Not only for the future of the ICC, but for all international organizations to which we attach importance. We cannot protect the international legal order if we do not stand behind the people who dedicate themselves to it every day.”
International network
The mayors call on Ursula von der Leyen to strongly express her support for the ICC. They also ask her to use the instruments and international network of the European Commission to ensure that the ICC can continue to function. For, as they state: “No one serving the law should suffer as a result.”
Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, international city of Peace and Justice, is the initiator of the letter. It is signed by Femke Halsema (Amsterdam), Jaume Collboni (Barcelona), Philippe Close (Brussels), Arnaud Deslandes (Lille), Emmanuel Grégoire (Paris), Roberto Gualtieri (Rome), and Catherine Trautmann (Strasbourg).
Source: Gemeente Den Haag, translation to English The Hague Online
Image: The Hague & Partners/HPM. The building of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Oude Waalsdorperweg in The Hague.
The Municipal Executive of The Hague has adopted a new Two-Year Policy Plan for Arts and Culture 2027–2028. Through this scheme, the municipality supports cultural institutions for two years in the implementation of their plans. For the period 2027–2028, €1,226,500 per year will be awarded to 14 institutions that achieved the highest scores in an assessment by an independent advisory committee.
This subsidy scheme is intended for organisations that wish to receive support for their cultural activities for two years. The scheme was established two years ago to facilitate the flow of incidental funds to the four-year subsidy scheme – the Multi-Year Policy Plan for Arts and Culture.
Alderwoman Lotte van Basten Batenburg (Culture): “The Hague is bursting with cultural talent and wonderful initiatives. From places where residents and visitors can enjoy culture, to organizations that provide space for creators and help new talent grow. With this two-year scheme, we are giving a number of institutions the certainty and space to continue their work and further develop new plans. The fact that so many organizations submitted an application shows how vibrant and diverse our cultural sector is. Unfortunately, we were unable to award all positively assessed applications.”
Great interest
The following institutions receive a grant from the Two-Year Policy Plan for Arts and Culture 2027-2028:
Flora Film Theater
Modelo62
No Limits Festival
Alba Theatre House
Poernima Dance Company
Life at Haverkamp
House of Rapture
Jalan Jalan Festival
Theater Branoul
Cameretten
Connect the Dots Movement
Classical Behind the Dunes
Orisun Studio
The Grey Space in the Middle
A total of 66 applications were submitted. Of these, 54 applications have already been assessed by an independent advisory committee. Based on pre-established criteria, the applications received an evaluation and a point score. The available funds are distributed according to a tender system: applications with the highest scores receive a subsidy until the budget is exhausted. Due to a limited budget, not all positively assessed applications could be awarded.
Seven applications still being processed
During the handling of objections against the dismissal of several applications, it became apparent that seven applications must still be assessed. These organizations have been given the opportunity to submit missing information, after which the independent advisory committee will assess their applications in the same manner as the other applications.
To prevent the 54 applicants who have already been assessed from remaining in uncertainty any longer, the Municipal Executive has decided to adopt the Two-Year Policy Plan now based on the available assessments. The Executive is expected to make a decision on the seven additional applications in early December.
Should that assessment reveal that one or more of these applications achieve a score exceeding the current subsidy ceiling, the Municipal Executive will make additional funds available to award subsidies to these organizations as well.
The complete Two-Year Policy Plan for Arts and Culture 2027-2028 can be read here (in Dutch)
The Municipality of The Hague is constructing a dedicated bus lane along Binckhorstlaan. This is between Wegastraat and Mercuriusweg. The work will start on Monday, October 26, and is expected to last five weeks. During the works, motorists should expect diversions and extra travel time. Thanks to the bus lane, HTM bus lines 26 and 28 will soon be able to run more according to schedule and serve their original stops again.
Livable residential area
The dedicated bus lane will be located on the existing parallel road on the east side of Binckhorstlaan and will be ready for use in December 2026. This marks the next step in the development of the Binckhorst, as Alderman for Area Development Henk Harms also observes: “A good, liveable residential area requires amenities close to home. Public transport is one of those amenities. The Binckhorst can only grow if we keep in mind that the district remains accessible to everyone who lives or works there.”
Parallel road closed to through automobile traffic
For the construction, the parallel road at the Binckhorstlaan-Mercuriusweg intersection will be closed. Traffic will be diverted via surrounding roads. Destinations and main roads in the area will remain accessible. Businesses may experience disruption due to the changed situation during the works. After December 4, traffic on the parallel road will only be able to turn right onto Mercuriusweg-oost.
Cyclists and pedestrians are temporarily unable to pass Mercuriusweg
Cyclists and pedestrians on Binckhorstlaan are temporarily unable to pass Mercuriusweg. From Mercuriusweg, cyclists can, however, ride north.
Municipal Executive allocates funds for a new round of night culture subsidies
In the coming year, the Municipality of The Hague will again support innovative initiatives that contribute to The Hague’s nightlife. Starting today, creators, organizers, and cultural entrepreneurs can submit an application for the Impuls Nachtcultuur subsidy scheme.
The subsidy scheme stems from the Night Vision and contributes to the ambition to make The Hague an attractive city for residents and visitors not only during the day, but also in the evening and at night.
Alderwoman Lotte van Basten Batenburg (Culture): “The Hague nightlife is much more than just a night out. It is a place where new ideas emerge, talent develops, and different cultures and communities meet. With this subsidy scheme, we are giving makers and organizers a helping hand to bring good ideas from the drawing board into the city.”
Room for innovation
Initiatives eligible for a grant may relate to music, dance, theatre, fashion, digital culture, or innovative combinations thereof. Both new initiatives and existing concepts looking to grow can submit an application.
“It is wonderful that there is a Night Impulse scheme again this year, giving makers the chance to create something themselves in The Hague’s nightlife. I look forward to all the new initiatives, because The Hague is full of good ideas!” says Lotte Ottevanger, Night Mayor of The Hague.
In 2025, fifteen Hague-based creators and organisations received a contribution from the Night Culture scheme. This made possible, among other things, new club nights, live performances, and free jam sessions. This created accessible venues where emerging DJs could play. Additionally, there was room for other forms of nightlife, such as alcohol-free club nights, and for investments in sound and equipment.
Support for makers and organizations
For 2026, the Municipal Executive has again made €100,000 available. Individuals can apply for a contribution of up to €3,000. Organizations can receive a maximum of €10,000.
Applications can be submitted up to and including 20 November 2026. Subsidies will be assessed based on established criteria and granted in order of receipt until the budget is exhausted. The municipality will make a decision within six weeks of receiving a complete application.
Interested parties can register here (in Dutch). For questions, please contact nachtzaken@denhaag.nl .
