Fifty projects have a chance to win the prestigious Oranje Fonds prize
Residents of South Holland can vote from today on which social organization deserves an Appeltje van Oranje. The South Holland organizations Stichting Midwest, Voedselbank Rotterdam, CulturA & Zo, Straat Consulaat, Stichting Leontienhuis and the Verbindingskamer are candidates. Together with 44 other organizations, they are among the last fifty participants. Voting is possible until May 28 via stem.oranjefonds.nl . The Oranje Fonds awards three Appeltjes van Oranje annually to social organizations that matter to someone else.
Indispensable links
The theme of this edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje is Indispensable Links. Organisations that are indispensable in their village, district, city or neighbourhood could register themselves. The Oranje Fonds is looking for organisations that see where there are gaps, that something is missing in the environment and that then come up with a solution. That is why they are indispensable; indispensable for those they support, but also indispensable for the governments and partners they work with. With their approach, they build a bridge between the municipality, (care) institutions, other volunteer organisations and the people who need their support, which allows them to have more impact.
Voting Ten Days and Pitch Day
The whole of the Netherlands can vote for one of the fifty candidates via the special voting website. The public decides which organisation with the most votes qualifies directly as a nominee. The other candidates present themselves to each other and to a jury in June during a pitch day. The jury ultimately decides which nine organisations will also receive a nomination. Of these organisations, three will receive an Appeltje van Oranje in October.
The Apples of Orange
The Oranje Fonds awards the Appeltjes van Oranje, the prize for initiatives that matter, annually. The prize rewards three initiatives that are committed to an inclusive, involved society. Initiatives that are unique, creative and meaningful and have been active for at least two years are eligible. An Appeltje van Oranje shows the organization appreciation for their work and dedication. The theme of the Appeltjes changes every year.
The prize consists of a bronze statue designed and made by Princess Beatrix and a sum of 25,000 euros. This money can be spent freely within the objective of the winning initiative. Every year, Queen Máxima presents the three Appeltjes van Oranje at Paleis Noordeinde. More information: www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes (in Dutch)
Image: © Patrick van Katwijk for the Orange Fund.