What Rutgers does

Rutgers is the independent Dutch expertise center for sexuality (het onafhankelijke expertisecentrum seksualiteit), operating as a nonprofit organization (ANBI status) headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, with programs spanning more than 29 countries. The organization's work is organized around five thematic pillars: contraception, abortion, sexual health, sexual education, and sexual violence. Rutgers serves multiple beneficiary segments including Dutch youth (12-25), educational institutions (96% of Dutch schools use its materials), healthcare professionals, governments and policymakers, women and girls in low-resource settings, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Its portfolio combines original research, evidence-based educational interventions, professional training, public campaigns, and international development programs.

Rutgers's core products and digital platforms include Sense.info (an award-winning youth information platform on contraception and sexual health), the 'Seks onder je 25e' large-scale representative study, Seksueleopvoeding.info (parent-facing platform), an online course platform (aanbod.rutgers.nl), interactive classroom games (Lovebuzz, Can You Fix It), and structured programs such as BodyTalk, Kriebels in je buik, and Happy2gether. Campaigns including Ben je oké?, SheDecides, Generatie Ja, Week van de Lentekriebels, and Week van de Liefde drive community engagement. The organization coordinates the SRGR platform within the Dutch Global Health Alliance and is the Netherlands member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Rutgers operates a donation- and grant-funded business model. All services and educational resources are provided free of charge to end users. Revenue is generated through individual donations, government and institutional grants (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, VWS), and lottery funding from the Nationale Postcodeloterij. The organization holds CBF Erkend Goed Doel certification, signaling transparency and governance quality. In July 2026, Rutgers completed a merger with Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland, materially expanding its scale and programmatic scope in Dutch and international sexual health.

Name

Rutgers

Legal name

Rutgers

Website

https://rutgers.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Rutgers is the independent Dutch expertise center for sexuality, providing sexual and reproductive health education, research, training, and advocacy domestically and across 29+ countries. It serves youth, schools, healthcare professionals, and governments as a nonprofit funded by donations and government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Health Education and Advocacy (Sexual and Reproductive Health)

NAICS

Educational Services (61), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Health, Prevention & Health Education (BPAGACAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Health Promotion & Public Health Education (Community Workshops) (EDAAAFAG)

Keywords

• Sexual health education
• Reproductive health research
• Sex education programs
• Health advocacy campaigns
• Professional training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Utrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and charitable contributions: Individual donations, both one-time and recurring, from supporters who contribute to the organization's mission. The organization maintains donation pages and campaigns like SheDecides.
2. Government and institutional grants: Funding from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and other government bodies for specific programs and international development work.
3. Nationale Postcode Lottery support: Support from the Nationale Postcodeloterij, a Dutch charity lottery that funds good causes including Rutgers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels15 records

Core offering

Rutgers delivers free sexual and reproductive health education, research, professional training, and public advocacy programs in the Netherlands and internationally. Its core offerings include youth information platforms (Sense.info, Seksueleopvoeding.info), large-scale population research studies (Seks onder je 25e, Seksuele gezondheid in Nederland), school curricula (Kriebels in je buik, BodyTalk, Lovebuzz), professional training courses (Happy2gether, aanbod.rutgers.nl), national campaigns (Week van de Liefde, Week van de Lentekriebels, Ben je oké?, SheDecides), and international development programs across more than 29 countries.

Product overview

Rutgers is the independent expertise center for sexuality in the Netherlands, working both domestically and internationally (in more than 29 countries) on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The organization does not operate as a traditional software product company; rather, it offers a portfolio of integrated knowledge, education, research, and advocacy products. Its core offerings include Sense.info — an award-winning youth information platform; Seks onder je 25e — a large-scale representative research study on youth sexual health; a research database of quantitative and qualitative studies; training and professional support services; educational materials (Kriebels in je buik for primary schools, BodyTalk for secondary schools); interactive tools (Lovebuzz game, Happy2gether online course); campaign programs (Ben je oké?, SheDecides, Week van de Lentekriebels, Week van de Liefde); advocacy resources (Vrije Doos for policymakers); and international programs. These offerings are organized around five thematic pillars: contraception, abortion, sexual health, sexual education, and sexual violence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sense.info Award-winning youth information platform providing reliable information about contraception, hormones, and condom use for young people in the Netherlands.
• Seks onder je 25e Large-scale representative study on the sexual health of Dutch youth aged 12-25, providing data on sexual behavior, contraception, sexting, and sexual violence.
• Kriebels in je buik Educational materials for primary schools covering relationships and sexuality, including new materials with extra attention for WhatsApp channels and 'meidenhuizen' (girls-only spaces).
• Training en ondersteuning (Training and Support) Professional training, workshops, online courses, and intervision (peer consultation) for professionals on sexuality, consent, and inclusive care.
• Onderzoek (Research Database) Searchable database of quantitative and qualitative research, literature studies, and registrations on sexual and reproductive health organized by knowledge dossiers and topics.
• Seksueleopvoeding.info Information and tips platform for parents on how to talk to children about bodies, where babies come from, and consent, supporting sexual upbringing in the home.
• Ben je oké? Campaign National campaign making unwanted sexual behavior discussable by encouraging the question 'Ben je oké?' (Are you okay?), providing a 'Hier is het oké' toolkit to venues and organizations.
• Happy2gether Online course that prevents relationship violence by teaching young people about healthy relationships and consent, recognized as an effective intervention.
• BodyTalk Sexual education program for secondary schools that makes sexuality a discussable topic, nominated for the Zero Project Award 2023.
• SheDecides Campaign Global campaign advocating for women's and girls' right to decide about their own bodies and lives, working to prevent unsafe abortion and promote access to safe abortion care.
• Lovebuzz Interactive classroom game for first-year secondary school students designed to facilitate discussions about sexuality and relationships in an engaging, age-appropriate format.
• Vrije Doos Informational package distributed to Dutch Parliament members containing knowledge and resources on sexual and reproductive health and rights to support evidence-based policymaking.
• Week van de Lentekriebels Annual campaign week for primary schools focused on making sexuality education discussable, with annual themes such as 'weerbaar online' (resilient online) and respect.
• Week van de Liefde Annual campaign week for secondary schools providing sexual education resources, achieving record school participation each year.
• Beleidsscan Seksualiteit en Intimiteit Policy scan tool for healthcare organizations to assess and improve their approach to sexuality and intimacy within care settings.
• International Programs Rutgers's international work spanning more than 29 countries, focused on strengthening the sexual health and rights of young people globally, including programs in West and Central Africa and Southeast Asia.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.3 million unsafe abortions prevented between 2020-2024 through Dutch global health investments
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Dutch Global Health AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers is part of the Dutch Global Health Alliance, a coalition of Dutch organizations working on global health. Rutgers also coordinates the SRGR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) platform within this alliance, contributing to Dutch investments that prevented 1.3 million unsafe abortions and 3.8 million unintended pregnancies between 2020-2024.
• International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers is the Netherlands member association of IPPF, the world's largest sexual and reproductive health organization network. This membership provides global reach and access to international best practices in sexual and reproductive health.
• Aidsfonds – Soa Aids NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers and Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland announced (September 2025) a merger intent to become stronger together for sexual health worldwide. They jointly conduct research including 'Seks onder je 25e' and coordinate on SRGR platform.
• Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op MaatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers collaborates with WOMEN Inc. and COC Nederland in the Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op Maat, working to make gender and LGBTQ+ sensitive healthcare the norm in Dutch clinical practice. Supported by Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
• SheDecidescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSheDecides is a global movement coordinated by Rutgers advocating for safe abortion access. Rutgers organized events at the World Health Assembly with partners MSI Reproductive Choices, International Planned Parenthood Federation, and governments of Netherlands and Benin. Has prevented 200,000+ unsafe abortions in 5 years.
• MSI Reproductive ChoicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in SheDecides global movement and safe abortion advocacy, collaborating on events and policy at international level including World Health Assembly.
• International Planned Parenthood FederationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Rutgers on SheDecides movement and safe abortion policy advocacy at international forums like World Health Assembly.
• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRutgers co-hosted the Netherlands launch of the UNFPA State of World Population Report 2025 with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rutgers director Marieke van der Plas participated in the launch event.
• CERRHUD (Benin)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerResearch partner in Benin conducting studies on safe abortion access and sexual violence survivors. Jointly produced research 'The infinite maze for women' presented at International Conference on Family Planning in Colombia.
• COC NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLGBTQ+ rights organization collaborating with Rutgers in the Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op Maat and on joint initiatives like the 'Cocktail of Mocktail?' research report on alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth.
• Trimbos-instituutmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch mental health institute collaborating on research including 'Cocktail of Mocktail?' report on alcohol use among LGBTQ+ youth in the Netherlands.
• Nederlandse Organisatie AseksualiteitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch asexuality organization partnered with Rutgers and Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op Maat for research 'Inclusieve zorg: (a)seksualiteit als norm' exploring experiences of asexual persons in healthcare.
• WOMEN Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWomen's organization collaborating in the Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op Maat with Rutgers and COC Nederland to promote gender and LGBTQ+ sensitive healthcare.
• Alliantie Gezondheidszorg op MaatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition led by Rutgers, WOMEN Inc., and COC Nederland, with support from Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, working to make gender and LGBTQ+ sensitive healthcare the norm in Dutch clinical practice.
• Government of the NetherlandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands co-hosted events with Rutgers at the World Health Assembly on safe abortion care. Dutch ambassador Erica Schouten emphasized continued investment in family planning and safe abortion care.
• Government of BeninmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment of Benin partnered with Rutgers, SheDecides, MSI, and IPPF to co-host World Health Assembly event on safe abortion care, showcasing leadership in reproductive health policy.
• Dance4LifemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnounced merger with Dance4Life (January 2021) to combine strengths in youth sexual health education and create greater impact through combined programs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sensoa: Flemish expertise center for sexual health, structurally the closest peer to Rutgers: combines sexual education, research, training for professionals, and advocacy with strong government ties. Comparable mission, operating model, and target audiences (schools, youth, healthcare professionals, LGBTQ+).
• Planned Parenthood Federation of America: U.S. national SRHR organization combining education, clinical services, research, and advocacy. Closely mirrors Rutgers' integrated service model and is a leading national peer in the field, scaled to a much larger population.
• Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland: Dutch HIV/STI and sexual health organization that merged with Rutgers (effective July 2026). Pre-merger it was the most direct Dutch peer in research, prevention, and advocacy targeting the same youth and at-risk populations.
• MSI Reproductive Choices: Global provider of contraception and safe abortion services that co-hosts international events with Rutgers (e.g., World Health Assembly SheDecides activities). Overlaps in advocacy, abortion access programming, and donor networks.
• Pro Familia (Germany): Germany's national SRHR organization offering sexual education, counseling, training, and advocacy. Operates a near-identical integrated model to Rutgers, including a national network of local offices and recognized role in schools and public health.
• Guttmacher Institute: U.S.-based research and policy organization producing the kind of population-level sexual and reproductive health data and policy analysis that Rutgers generates through 'Seks onder je 25e' and 'Seksuele gezondheid'. Comparable role as a research-driven influencer of national SRHR policy.
• Center for Reproductive Rights: Global legal and policy advocacy organization advancing reproductive rights through litigation, research, and UN engagement. Closely parallels Rutgers' advocacy and international policy work (e.g., Vrije Doos, SheDecides, UNFPA collaboration).
• Dance4Life: Dutch-origin youth sexual health and rights organization that merged with Rutgers in 2021. Pre-merger it was a direct peer in gamified youth education, school programs, and international youth mobilization; many of its programs now sit within Rutgers.

Broad incumbents

• International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF): Global SRHR federation of which Rutgers is the Netherlands member association. Operates a much wider geographic and service footprint across more than 120 countries, making it the global umbrella and a key collaborator and competitor for international programs.
• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund): UN agency leading global SRHR work and a direct co-host of Rutgers' launch events and programs. Functions as both a major funder/partner and the dominant global incumbent against which Rutgers' international initiatives are positioned.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Rutgers_nl
• Facebookfacebook.com/NL.Rutgers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1808289
• Instagraminstagram.com/rutgersnl
• TikToktiktok.com/@rutgers_nl
• Xx.com/RutgersNL

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Rutgers