Stichting Sam

What Stichting Sam does

Stichting SAM is a Dutch ANBI-certified non-profit foundation (RSIN 8076.42.137, founded in the late 1990s with the formal Stichting structure recorded from 2008 and headquartered in Naarden) that designs and delivers animal-assisted therapy (AAT) programs for children aged roughly 6-18 with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Its end beneficiaries are individual families, primarily reached through direct email enrollment ([email protected]) and referrals from therapeutic and pedagogical professionals; named service regions include Rhenen, Amstelveen, and Aalsmeer, and historical operations included the Dolfinarium Harderwijk. The organization is led by a small board (Dr. R.E. Griffioen as Chair, plus Treasurer, Secretary, and one Member) and runs with 1-10 personnel, with delivery relying heavily on co-developer Carmen Maurer of partner Leerdier.

The product portfolio consists of five programs: 'Met Dieren Leuker Leven' (an 8-session petting-farm-based AAT program over 10-12 weeks at Onky Donky Huis / Ouwehands Dierenpark Rhenen, for children aged 8-14), 'Virtuele Dolfijn Therapie / Dolphin Dreams' (a VR-based dolphin interaction program using waterproof VR headsets, delivered at Friendship Sports Centre in collaboration with Dolphin Swim Club and Only Friends), 'Paard & Go!' (horse-assisted therapy, currently paused pending demand), a dog-assisted activities/therapy program, and the 'Maatjesprogramma' (a buddy scheme pairing children without disabilities aged 6-18 with participants in the core programs). The therapeutic method is built on operant conditioning, where animal responses provide immediate behavioral feedback, and is supported by structured measurement instruments (video, photography, pre/post parent questionnaires) feeding into scientific collaborations with Open Universiteit (Prof. Dr. Marie-José Enders-Slegers, chair of Anthrozoology) and Aeres Hogeschool Dronten, where Dr. Griffioen was appointed lector of Animal Assisted Interventions effective 1 April 2021.

Revenue is not publicly disclosed and is generated almost entirely through non-commercial channels: tax-deductible donations and sponsorships (channeled in part through a separate supporting foundation, Stichting 'Vriend van SAM', RSIN 8221.16.741), nominal parental co-payments determined case-by-case with full subsidy available for families on food bank or municipal pass, and academic research collaborations. The organization explicitly targets donation of at least 50% of program costs to parents to ensure financial accessibility. Earned income is structurally near-zero; growth is dependent on fundraising capacity, academic partnerships, and sustained media visibility (RTL Nieuws, NPO 2's 'Boeddha in de Polder').

Name

Stichting Sam

Legal name

Stichting SAM

Website

https://stichtingsam.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Stichting SAM is a Dutch ANBI-certified non-profit that delivers animal-assisted therapy programs, including VR dolphin therapy, petting-farm interventions, and a peer buddy scheme, for children aged 6-18 with Down syndrome, autism, and related neurodevelopmental conditions, operating from Naarden with sites in Rhenen, Amstelveen, and Aalsmeer.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal-Assisted Therapy Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Therapeutic Companion Apps (Drug-Device-Digital Combination) (HLACANAH)

Keywords

• Animal-assisted therapy
• Virtual reality dolphin therapy
• Disability therapy services
• Autism intervention programs
• Nonprofit therapeutic care

Headquarters

HQ city

Naarden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Sponsorships: As a non-profit ANBI-certified organization, Stichting SAM relies heavily on donations and sponsorships. The organization aims to donate at least 50% of costs to parents to ensure no child is denied therapy due to financial reasons. Supported by Stichting 'Vriend van SAM' (RSIN 8221.16.741).
2. Program Participation Fees: Parents pay a nominal own contribution (eigen bijdrage) that is determined based on sponsorship coverage. Full program costs of 8 sessions are subsidized - for VR sessions €250 sponsorship enables a child to participate while parents contribute €250.
3. Research Grants: Scientific research conducted in collaboration with Open Universiteit and Aeres Hogeschool Dronten. Research focuses on effects of animal-assisted interventions on communicative/social skills, stress reduction, and concentration improvement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Stichting SAM delivers animal-assisted therapy programs for children aged 6-18 with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and related syndromes. Core offerings include Met dieren leuker Leven (8-session farm animal therapy), Paard & Go! (horse-assisted therapy), Dolphin Dreams (waterproof VR dolphin therapy), Dog Assisted Therapy, and a Maatjesprogramma (peer buddy program). Programs are led by therapists and pedagogues at partner farm locations and a VR center in the Netherlands, largely subsidized through donations and sponsorships.

Product overview

Stichting SAM is a non-profit organization offering animal-assisted therapy programs for children with Down syndrome, autism, and related syndromes. The core portfolio consists of three programs: Met Dieren Leuker Leven (petting farm-based therapy), Paard & Go! (horse-assisted therapy), and Virtuele Dolfijn Therapie/Dolphin Dreams (VR-based dolphin therapy), plus a Dog Assisted Activities program and Maatjesprogramma (buddy program). The organization has nearly 20 years of experience transitioning from live dolphin therapy (ended 2016) to virtual reality alternatives and farm-based animal interventions. Programs are conducted with trained animals under professional therapeutic/pedagogical supervision and are largely sponsored to keep participant costs affordable.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Met Dieren Leuker Leven Animal-assisted therapy program for children with Down syndrome and autism (ages 8-14), delivered across 8 sessions over 10-12 weeks at partner farm locations including Onky Donky Huis at De Grebbehoeve (Rhenen) and Amstelveen. Activities are led by a therapist/pedagogue using trained farm animals to develop communication, social skills, relaxation, and concentration, with outcome research led by Prof. Dr. Marie-José Enders-Slegers of Open Universiteit.
• Paard & Go! Horse-assisted activities and therapy program for children with Down syndrome and autism, intended for delivery in Rhenen and previously in Aalsmeer (currently not running). Uses horses and professional therapeutic supervision to support children with developmental disabilities.
• Virtuele Dolfijn Therapie (Dolphin Dreams) Virtual reality dolphin therapy using waterproof VR headsets to deliver intense underwater dolphin interactions in a controlled setting. Targeted at children with Down syndrome and autism, with 8-session programs delivered in groups of 5 children supervised by 1 therapist, 1 assistant, and 5 supervisors (parents, siblings, or psychology students). Operated in collaboration with Friendship Sports Centre, Dolphin Swim Club, and Only Friends.
• Maatjesprogramma Buddy program where children without disabilities (ages 6-18) participate alongside children with disabilities in Met dieren leuker Leven and Paard & Go! programs. Includes intake plus 4 sessions of 1 hour, with free participation available for families with limited means. Aimed at building social connections and is particularly targeted at children experiencing educational disadvantage or difficult home situations.
• Dog Assisted Activities/Therapy Program Dog-assisted activities and therapy program within Stichting SAM's portfolio of animal-assisted intervention offerings, using trained dogs under professional supervision to support children with developmental disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Clear visible relaxation observed in children during and after sessions
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aeres Hogeschool DrontencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2020From April 1, 2021, initiated new lectorate with Dr. Richard Griffioen appointed as lector Animal Assisted Interventions. Partnership involves research collaboration and academic development in human-animal interaction.
• Animal Assisted Interventions in Zorg, Onderzoek en Onderwijs (AAIZOO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2020Partner in the intent to collaborate on the use of animals for human health. Working toward a second lectorate in human-animal interactions at Aeres Hogeschool Dronten.
• Open UniversiteitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2020Scientific research collaboration led by Prof. Dr. Marie-José Enders-Slegers, chair of Anthrozoology. Research on effects of animal use at children's farms on development of communicative/social skills, stress reduction, and concentration improvement. Partnership with Institute for Anthrozoology.
• Friendship Sports CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Host location for the VR Dolphin Dreams program. Provided venue for benefit night where VR dolphin experience was launched in collaboration with Stichting SAM, Dolphin Swim Club, and Only Friends.
• Dolphin Swim ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Collaboration partner in the Virtual Reality Dolphin Dreams initiative, bringing expertise in dolphin interactions and swim programs.
• Only FriendscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partner in the VR Dolphin Dreams initiative, supporting the virtual dolphin therapy program development.
• Ouwehands Dierenpark RhenencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership to host interactive animal-assisted programs at the Onky Donky Huis next to De Grebbehoeve children's farm in Rhenen. Provides trained farm animals for safe therapeutic activities.
• Stichting Onky DonkycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Collaboration to provide interactive animal-assisted programs at the Onky Donky facility next to the children's farm.
• LeerdiercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarmen Maurer of Leerdier is co-developer of programs 'Met dieren leuker leven' and 'Maatjesprogramma'. Leerdier provides (kinder)coaching and pedagogical guidance. Both organizations have combined 20 years of experience in dolphin therapy and animal-assisted interventions.
• Dolfinarium HarderwijkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical partnership for nearly 20 years of dolphin therapy programs. The Dolfinarium supported Stichting SAM in providing therapy sessions for children with disabilities. Partnership ended in 2016.
• Stichting 'Vriend van SAM'coreOthersSeparate foundation (RSIN 8221.16.741) established to support Stichting SAM through donations and sponsorships. Trusted group of friends and sponsors provide financial support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Stichting MEE: Major Dutch non-profit providing support and services to people with disabilities and chronic conditions. Comparable to Stichting SAM as a Dutch non-profit serving children with disabilities, but with a much broader mandate and broader service portfolio.
• Pet Partners: One of the largest US animal-assisted therapy organizations, registering therapy teams and supporting AAI research. Comparable to Stichting SAM as an AAI provider for vulnerable populations, with broader national reach and formal therapy-animal certification programs.
• Intermountain Therapy Animals: Established US organization providing animal-assisted therapy across hospitals, schools, and care facilities. Comparable to Stichting SAM in mission and service model, but operates at much larger scale as an industry-incumbent in animal-assisted interventions.

Emerging players

• AppliedVR: US-based digital therapeutics company using VR for chronic pain and behavioral health treatment. Comparable to Stichting SAM's VR Dolphin Therapy as a peer using VR as a therapeutic modality, with overlap in deploying immersive technology for clinical outcomes.
• Limbic: UK-based VR therapy platform for mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. Comparable to Stichting SAM's VR Dolphin Therapy (Dolphin Dreams) as a peer using VR-based interventions for mental health and developmental outcomes.

Regional players

• Stichting Down Syndroom: Dutch advocacy and support organization for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Comparable to Stichting SAM as a Dutch non-profit serving the same primary beneficiary population (children with Down syndrome), but focused on advocacy and information rather than direct therapy.

Others

• ISAAT (International Society for Animal-Assisted Therapy): International professional association promoting standards and research in animal-assisted therapy. Comparable to Stichting SAM as an ecosystem participant in the same AAI field, and an indirect peer through shared academic credibility and methodological standards.

Direct peers

• Stichting Boshuis Hoeve Boschlust: Dutch care farm offering animal-assisted activities and therapy for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The most direct operating peer, replicating Stichting SAM's farm-based animal-assisted intervention model in the Netherlands.
• Stichting Hulphond: Dutch non-profit that trains and places assistance dogs and provides animal-assisted therapy for people with disabilities. Comparable to Stichting SAM as a Dutch non-profit delivering animal-assisted interventions for vulnerable populations, with a multi-decade track record.
• Stichting KNGF Geleidehonden: Dutch guide dog foundation providing trained assistance dogs to people with visual or other disabilities. Like Stichting SAM, it is an ANBI-certified Dutch non-profit using animals to improve quality of life for people with disabilities, dependent on donations and sponsorships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/stichtingsam
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_EdSfAf9dqsavJXhAFwy7w?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/stichtingsam
• Instagraminstagram.com/stichtingsam
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-sam

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stichting Sam