~ Organizations in the Caribbean get extra time ~
HOLLAND — Organizations in the Caribbean get extra time to apply for the 2018 Appeltjes van Oranje of the Oranje Fonds. Hurricane Irma has had enormous impact on the islands and therefore the Oranje Fonds is extending its application deadline until October 8. The Appeltjes van Oranje theme this year is the ‘Young and Social Enterprising’. This means that social initiatives started by people who are younger than 35 this year can compete for the prizes. Applications can be submitted via www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes. In May, Queen Máxima will award the prizes at the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.
The award ceremony has a different theme each year. The Oranje Fonds really wants to show that young people are also taking the initiative to address problems in society. This results in wonderful initiatives. That is why the Oranje Fonds has chosen to put this year’s spotlight on projects initiated by these young people. Think of young people who, for example, have started a project to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly or to offer their disadvantaged peers a better future.
Criteria
Projects that are likely to have a chance of receiving an Appeltjes van Oranje this year must meet a number of criteria. For example, the initiator must be 35 years old or younger, the project must focus on connecting and involving vulnerable people and it must involve volunteers in its approach. All the criteria to participate can be found at www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes. Initially, the deadline for organizations in the Caribbean to apply, was September 29. Because several islands have been severely affected by hurricane Irma and this had a major impact on the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom, the Oranje Fonds has decided to extend the application period up to and including October 8.
Prizes
The Appeltjes van Oranje are awarded annually to three initiatives that successfully bring different groups of people together or ensure that people can once again participate in society. All winners of an Appeltjes van Oranje receive a bronze statue made by Princess Beatrix and a 15,000 Euro cash prize. Every year Queen Máxima awards the prizes.
Oranje Fonds
The Oranje Fonds supports social projects in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Each year, approximately 30 million Euros are allocated for thousands of initiatives that ensure that people interact with each other, feel less lonely, get an understanding of each other and commit themselves to one another. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have been the guardians of the Oranje Fonds since its inception. This year the Oranje Fonds celebrates its 15th anniversary.
