Stichting DOEN, headquartered in Amsterdam, was founded in 1991 by the Dutch Postcode Lottery to support small, pioneering initiatives. Its mission is to advance a green, socially inclusive, and creative society by offering financial support to innovative projects and entrepreneurs. Stichting DOEN finances ventures in the transition towards a circular economy, social cohesion, and creative society, primarily through grants, loans, and investments.
The foundation receives funding from the Dutch Postcode Lottery, VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery), and, historically, the BankGiro Lottery. Annually, it provides support to more than 250 initiatives, operating both within the Netherlands and internationally. Its assets and grant budget in recent years have hovered around 30 million euros per year.
DOEN’s activities span several themes: green and inclusive economy (addressing climate change, social entrepreneurship, sustainable food systems), culture (support for art and creative expression), and social cohesion (initiatives that foster inclusivity and community connection). The foundation supports these areas via direct grants as well as through its impact investment arm, DOEN Participaties, which focuses on early-stage companies dedicated to environmental and social goals.
Recent projects include support for the “Herdenkingsjaar Slavernijverleden 2023-2024,” a Dutch initiative aimed at unearthing hidden histories and fostering new perspectives on slavery’s legacy. Other examples are investments in circular startups such as SUNT, which turns surplus bananas into food products, and Swap-studio, a digital platform encouraging reuse by facilitating item swaps with a digital currency.
Stichting DOEN continues to play a visible role as an early supporter of experimental and often risk-bearing initiatives, aiming to accelerate societal transitions in sustainability, inclusivity, and culture.