DOEN experiments with 'Participatory Grantmaking' - Stichting DOEN

Enriched family-office · Found: 2026-03-11 08:11

In the case of fund and grant applications, the applicant follows the path set out by the lender, including the substantive requirements for the application.

Source: https://www.doen.nl/en/nieuws/doen-experiments-with-participatory-grantmaking/

Funding Details

Funder

Stichting DOEN

Funding Goal

To accelerate the transition to a circular economy where everyone counts, commonality comes first, and there is room for radical imagination — by supporting innovative pioneers and entrepreneurs with grants.

Funding Amount

Not disclosed on the website. Funding amounts are not publicly specified; applicants learn about potential grant sizes through the application process.

How to Apply

Applicants start with the online Quickscan tool on DOEN's website to assess preliminary eligibility (note: the Quickscan offers no guarantee of funding). If the Quickscan indicates a potential fit, applicants can submit a formal application through DOEN's dedicated application portal at aanvraag.doen.nl. Applications must align with at least one of DOEN's three thematic areas: Regenerative Economy, Solidarity Society, or Transformative Power of Imagination. DOEN reviews applications on a rolling basis. For larger-scale initiatives, applicants are directed to DOEN Participaties (DOEN Ventures).

Target Region

Netherlands (primarily)

Contact

Stichting DOEN, The Netherlands. Website: https://www.doen.nl/en/ Application portal: aanvraag.doen.nl

Last Checked

2026-03-11 21:40

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Initiative must demonstrate innovative, entrepreneurial approaches to solving societal or environmental challenges
• Project must align with at least one of DOEN's three themes: Regenerative Economy, Solidarity Society, or Transformative Power of Imagination
• Applicant should be working as a pioneer/entrepreneur on innovative solutions, not traditional charity

Required Documents

• Complete the online Quickscan eligibility assessment before submitting a formal application
• Submit formal application through the aanvraag.doen.nl portal with required supporting materials

Constraints

• Comply with DOEN's conditions and audit declaration requirements
• Submit reporting forms as required by DOEN during and after the grant period

Summary

Stichting DOEN is a Dutch foundation funded by the Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij lotteries. It provides grants to innovative pioneers and entrepreneurs working toward systemic societal and environmental transitions. The foundation focuses on three thematic areas: Regenerative Economy (circular economy and green initiatives), Solidarity Society (social cohesion and inclusion), and the Transformative Power of Imagination (creative and cultural change-making). The specific URL analyzed is a news article about DOEN's experiment with participatory grantmaking — a methodology where decision-making power over funding allocation is transferred from the funder to collectives of social pioneers. Three Dutch collectives participated in this pilot, receiving budgets to distribute internally according to their own priorities. This represents DOEN's broader effort to create more equitable funder-beneficiary relationships. DOEN accepts applications on a rolling basis through their online portal. Prospective applicants must first complete a Quickscan eligibility tool, though passing it does not guarantee funding. The foundation primarily supports initiatives in the Netherlands but does not explicitly exclude international projects. Funding amounts are not publicly disclosed on the website. The foundation emphasizes supporting entrepreneurial, innovative approaches to systemic change rather than traditional charity work.

Historical Context

Stichting DOEN is funded by the Dutch Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij lotteries. The foundation has been experimenting with participatory grantmaking, where decision-making power over fund allocation is transferred from the funder to collectives of social pioneers. Three partner collectives participated in this pilot: StadmakersCoöperatie, Bakkerij de Eenvoud, and Coöperatie Ondergrond. DOEN plans to continue exploring alternative, more equitable funding models.

Sources

• https://www.doen.nl/en/nieuws/doen-experiments-with-participatory-grantmaking/
• https://www.doen.nl/en/
• https://www.doen.nl/en/what-we-do/
• https://www.doen.nl/en/applying/
• https://www.doen.nl/en/criteria/
• https://www.doen.nl/en/what-we-do/green-and-inclusive-economy/

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