Fonds 1818, the regional capital fund that supports social projects in nineteen municipalities in South Holland, donated a total of over €12 million in 2025. In The Hague, 400 projects were supported with a total amount of €4,173,616. At a time when pessimism obscures the positive narratives, Fonds 1818 is helping many hopeful and valuable projects in the city flourish. “It would be wonderful if everyone were able to see and appreciate the bright spots in society by 2026.”
How do you help people who need a helping hand? What do neighbors need to ensure they don’t just ignore each other, but look out for one another? Every day, Fonds 1818 receives project plans from non-profit organizations and active residents who can answer these kinds of questions. The endowment fund supports many of these projects with donations.
“Where certain media outlets and people see disaster and danger on every street corner, we see someone doing something good for others on every street corner,” says director Sanne ten Bokkel Huinink, who is immensely proud of all the projects in The Hague that Fonds 1818 has supported in 2025.
“Of course, we’re not blind to the downsides and concerns in society,” Sanne continues, “but if there’s one thing we don’t want to happen, it’s that the many positive and constructive forces are drowned out by fearmongers. Because stories that disrupt society aren’t always the honest, true stories. The polarization of recent years hasn’t helped. Hopefully, that will change this year. But until then, it gives us great hope to see how countless people—often selflessly—are righting the wrongs in society.”
Podium Juliana and Firestarters
Two organizations from The Hague that made a difference in 2025 with projects supported by Fonds 1818 are Podium Juliana and Firestarters Foundation.
Podium Juliana is one of the users of the Juliana Church, the social and cultural heart of Transvaal. Fonds 1818 donated to renovate the outdoor space. Project advisor Carien Janssen van Raay explains: “I often attend Podium Juliana activities and am always pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of people who attend and the positive atmosphere. Renovating the square, where activities also take place, contributes to the quality of life, social interaction, and social cohesion in a vulnerable neighborhood.”
Firestarters is an initiative that offers future prospects to young adults who fall through the cracks in education and healthcare. Carien: “Over the past year, twenty-five young people have received further help. It’s an ambitious new project to get homebound students back on track with an active and optimistic program, led by three founders: David Weersma, Jonas Brog, and Jeroen Harteveld. These three have an impressive track record in various fields. They collaborate with a broad network of entrepreneurs, artists, and top athletes who volunteer to guide participants through internships, training, jobs, or other social projects.”
Reason for confidence in 2026
What will 2026 bring? Sanne ten Bokkel Huinink: “Especially at a time when much feels uncertain, our applicants’ projects are invaluable. We have little control over the chaos in the world, but we do have control over how we treat each other. As long as so many people are caring and dedicated to helping others, there will remain reason for trust. Therefore, Fonds 1818 will continue to support initiatives in 2026 that contribute to a strong and engaged The Hague.”
All information about Fonds 1818 and how to submit a donation request can be found at fonds1818.nl .
Pictured is director Sanne ten Bokkel Huinink. Photographer: Floor Prinsen.