Criteria Dutch submissions Appeltjes van Oranje 2025
Social organizations play an important role in our society. They identify problems, see where the greatest need lies and provide help where it is needed most. From supporting vulnerable groups, creating meeting places or connecting people with local services. They also often serve as a key figure in bridging the gap between the municipality, healthcare institutions, volunteer organizations and the people who need them. Their efforts make them an indispensable link. That is the theme of the Appeltjes van Oranje 2025. Irreplaceable organizations make a difference in their neighborhood, district or even in the entire country. (NL)
The award for initiatives that matter
The Appeltjes van Oranje is a yearly award recognizing and rewarding three initiatives by organizations that work within our domain, social services, towards an inclusive, engaged society - initiatives that are unique, creative and meaningful and have been running for at least one year. With their beautiful results efforts such as these serve as an inspiration for others.
The award consists of a bronze statuette designed and made by Princess Beatrix and a cash sum of €25.000. The prize money may be spent freely in line with the winning initiative's objectives. In principle, every year, Queen Máxima hands out the awards at Paleis Noordeinde, while every five years, the awards are handed out by King Willem-Alexander.
Indispensable Links – The Power of Social Initiatives
The theme of the Appeltjes van Oranje 2025 is "Indispensable Links – The Power of Social Initiatives."
They are indispensable, for example, because:
- They are the key organization advocating for a specific group or the central meeting space that connects everyone, where people work together to shape the future of their village or neighborhood.
- They step in to fill a gap—something that does not yet exist or is insufficiently available but is urgently needed.
- The municipality cannot ignore them, listens to them, and collaborates with them wherever possible.
- The people connected to or supported by the organization cannot imagine life without it.
- The organization plays a crucial role in the chain of social support (e.g., in poverty relief or mental health) and in the network of volunteer organizations, care institutions, community workers, and social welfare organizations.
- The organization is capable of securing solid funding from various sources.
You can download Information & criteria right here.
