About Lerak Foundation

The object of the Foundation is the promotion of the public interest by providing funds to charitable, educational, religious, humanitarian, medical, scientific, cultural, moral, social and environmental goals. While Lerak Foundation is interested in supporting a broad range of needs, it prioritizes projects falling into the following categories: Culture, Education, East of Holland (Twente Region), Environment, Children and Social Impact.

We seek to fund projects in our areas of focus that are both interesting and worthwhile, and have the potential to create lasting impact. We follow clear criteria in our decision-making (see approach below). Once we have resolved to make a grant, we work closely with grantees to ensure our support is as effective as possible. We also aim to avoid onerous application and reporting requirements.

Board members are Hermien Goderie (Chair), Nick Viner (Treasurer), Froukje Demant (Secretary) and Hajé Nordbeck.

The RSIN number is: 856873688

Approach

Income

Lerak Foundation’s income comes predominantly from revenues generated by the Foundation’s assets. The level of income varies depending on the performance of those assets. This income, after expenses, is available for distribution. In any given year, however, the Foundation has the discretion to make grants that exceed its income.

Distributions

For its distribution policy for the years to 2024 Lerak prioritizes projects which fall into the following categories: Children, Culture, Education, East of Holland (Twente Region), Environment, Social Impact. A decision to make a grant to a proposed project depends on its fits with one or more of the priority areas, and on how well it meets the following criteria of the fund:

Excellence

Does the project have a high quality? Do the beneficiaries involved strive for the highest standards?

Impact on society

Will the donation have a positive effect on people and communities as a result of the project and its succes?

Impact on the beneficiary

Will the project make a difference to the issue, cause or endeavor, and will the Foundation’s donation have a significant impact on the beneficiary?

Leverage

Will the donation help the beneficiary to attract more donors, or will it have a multiplying impact?

Monitoring

Does the project have a limited effect on the environment, or is the initiative aimed at mitigating environmental impact or improving the environment?

Avoidance of dependence

Is the project/cause achievable with a single donation? (Note: Although the Foundation typically only makes a single donation to a project or an organisation, it will consider multi-year donations to increase impact.)

Innovativeness

Does the project offer an innovative idea or new approach to its cause, increasing its potential impact? Lerak Foundation realizes that the project might therefore entail higher risk and be more difficult to fund.

Longevity/sustainability

Does the project have an expected length of life and does it meet current and future needs?

Personal connection

Does Lerak Foundation feel a connection with and passion for the project and the organisation?