Charities in the Netherlands receive a significant financial boost annually thanks to the innovative 'dating platform' FindNFund. This platform contains the most comprehensive database in the Netherlands where charities and funds can easily find each other and submit and manage financial applications. With AI-driven search optimization, charities seeking funding and funds with resources to spend are better connected. This is expected to make an additional €100 million available for charities. Even before the official launch on September 28, almost €200,000 in funding has already been realized through FindNFund.
Why a dating platform for charities and funds?
Income for charities from funds is growing steadily because more and more people are using their assets for a positive social impact. At the same time, there is a great need for funding for social and societal goals. FindNFund brings these two needs together with an innovative online platform.
Founders Mariëtte Brouwer and Patrick Eppink: 'The idea for FindNFund arose from personal frustration. Four years ago we were looking for funds for a school in Rio de Janeiro and realized how difficult it was to find them. There was no online database that makes it easy to find funds, and each party uses its own application process and criteria. "Can't this be done differently?" we asked ourselves. Why isn't there a booking.com for charities and funds? Easier, more fun and much more effective. Four years later the platform has been realized, and FindNFund is a fact.'
“The main goal is to make the best match. Thanks to advanced AI technology, charities and funds find each other in minutes, just like people are used to from an online store or dating site”
How does it work?
The main goal is to make the best match. Thanks to advanced AI technology, charities and funds find each other in minutes, just like people are used to from an online store or dating site, according to the founders. FindNFund is the only free platform where "Finders" (charities and projects seeking funding) and "Funders" (parties with financial resources) can come into direct contact with each other. Finders use the largest database in the Netherlands to identify a Funder and can directly submit and manage funding applications. Finders and Funders get an overview of all relevant information at a glance.
With the help of AI, funding applications are carefully checked, so funds always receive applications that perfectly match their goals. Charities can also immediately see if their application has a chance. The use of AI, the open search database and the application process on one platform represent a significant innovation in the fundraising sector. 'During the test phase, this resulted in up to 40% time savings for both Finders and Funders and very good matches', the founders indicate. 'In the test phase, almost €200,000 has already been allocated to various social projects, such as a youth musical, a hospital in Africa and a mentoring program for young people in Rotterdam. It has generated enthusiastic reactions from all parties involved.'
“This is the future for our sector. We need to make fundraising much simpler and more efficient for all involved. So that we can focus together on increasing impact. - Bernt Schneiders, director VSB-fonds”
Developed with the sector
The platform was developed in collaboration with a number of charities and funds, including the VSB Fonds. Director Bernt Schneiders is clear about the reason for his involvement with FindNFund: 'This is the future for our sector. We need to make fundraising much simpler and more efficient for all involved. So that we can focus together on increasing impact.'
In addition to big names, smaller, lesser-known organizations have also played a role in the development of the platform. 'That is also very important for the success of the platform', according to the founders. 'We are there for all charities and funds. So also for your local music or sports association.'
The platform is free to use for both Finders and Funders. Brouwer and Eppink explain: 'A family fund has taken care of the entire investment because they want to give something back to society and think it is important that this platform is created. And especially that it is accessible to all charities and funds so that we can make more impact together.'
Estrela da Favela, the school in Rio de Janeiro where it all started, has now been able to realize a new school building thanks to funding through FindNFund. 'FindNFund is a huge asset', says founder and director Edwin Roodenburg. 'I have not encountered anything like this in all those years.
