COC

What COC does

COC Nederland is a Dutch non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy and community-support organization headquartered in Amsterdam, founded in 1946 and recognized as the world's longest-existing LGBTQ+ advocacy body. It operates as a federation of 20 regional associations supported by more than 1,300 volunteers, and holds formal recognition as an ANBI public-benefit organization, a CBF-registered charity, and a CAF-validated entity, with consultative status at the United Nations and the European Union. Its functional mandate spans political advocacy, community support, youth and senior programming, healthcare certification, and corporate diversity engagement.

COC delivers its mission through a layered portfolio of programs. The Switchboard operates a long-running LGBTQ+ support hotline (in operation for 40 years), Jong&Out and Expreszo serve LGBTQ+ youth through in-person and online channels, Roze 50+ addresses senior community needs, and dedicated programs reach deaf/hard-of-hearing members (Roze Gebaar), members with intellectual disabilities (Zonder Stempel), autistic members (AutiRoze), and multicultural communities (Respect2Love). The Roze Loper certification system rates healthcare providers on LGBTQ+ inclusion, while GSA networks and the Paarse Vrijdag (Purple Friday) school campaign extend the organization's reach into educational institutions. COC Academy trains volunteers internally, and COC Songfestival is a recurring cultural event (30th edition in 2026). Newer offerings include the "Astra op Ontdekking" toolkit for primary-education professionals and a digital membership card.

The organization is chaired by Myrtille Danse and is funded through a diversified non-profit revenue mix: individual memberships (€51 standard, €30 reduced for welfare/youth), donations, legacies, and corporate partnership income from a roster that includes Nike EMEA, IKEA, EVBox, HEMA, and Ahold Delhaize. Governance is anchored in the federated 20-association structure, with central advocacy and program functions based in Amsterdam. In 2026, COC secured passage of a Dutch ban on conversion practices and is positioned as a host-organization partner for WorldPride Amsterdam, coinciding with the organization's 80th anniversary.

Name

COC

Legal name

Federatie COC Nederland

Website

https://coc.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

COC Nederland is a Dutch non-profit LGBTQ+ advocacy and community-support federation founded in 1946, headquartered in Amsterdam, serving members across youth, senior, healthcare, education, and corporate-diversity segments through 20 regional associations and 1,300+ volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Community Services

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Federated Giving Organizations (e.g., United Way-type) (BPAGAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ advocacy services
• Community membership organization
• Diversity inclusion education
• Youth support programs
• Corporate inclusion consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Annual membership fees provide core funding. Members pay either the standard rate of €51 or reduced rate of €30 (for those on welfare or youth up to age 25). COC Netherlands receives 40% of membership fees, with 60% going to regional associations.
2. Donations: Individual donations through one-time payments, monthly recurring donations, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual giving. Donations can be made via iDeal, Tikkie, or bank transfer. Tax-deductible for ANBI contributions.
3. Legacies and bequests: COC accepts legacies and bequests from supporters, allowing individuals to include COC in their wills. As an ANBI institution, legacies are exempt from inheritance tax.
4. Corporate partnerships: Companies partner with COC for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, PR/marketing advice, and CSR objectives. Partnerships provide financial support in exchange for advisory services and community impact programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

COC Nederland is a federated non-profit advocacy organization operating 20 regional associations across the Netherlands, providing LGBTQ+ community support, advocacy, education programs, and direct services such as the Switchboard support hotline, youth and seniors communities, school acceptance campaigns (Paarse Vrijdag), healthcare certification (Roze Loper), and corporate inclusion consulting. The organization is funded through individual memberships (€51/year standard, €30 reduced), donations, legacies, and corporate partnerships, with the federation retaining 40% of membership fees and distributing 60% to regional associations.

Product overview

COC Nederland is a federation of 19-20 regional LGBTQ+ advocacy associations and the world's oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ organization (established 1946). The organization operates as a unified advocacy movement offering direct community services including Switchboard (support hotline), youth programs (Jong&Out), senior communities (Roze 50+), and youth media (Expreszo). Sub-brands address specific communities: Roze Gebaar (deaf/hard-of-hearing LGBTQ+), Zonder Stempel (intellectual disabilities), Respect2Love (multicultural backgrounds), and AutiRoze (autism). Educational initiatives include GSA school groups and Paarse Vrijdag. Organizational services encompass the Roze Loper healthcare certification, corporate partnerships, and volunteer training via the COC Academy. A digital membership card system is provided through Ledenpas.nl.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Switchboard: Information and support hotline for LGBT+ persons and others seeking information about sexual orientation and gender diversity.
• Expreszo
• Jong&Out
• Roze50Plus
• Roze Gebaar
• Zonder Stempel
• AutiRoze
• Respect2Love
• Roze Loper
• Bob Angelo Fonds
• Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

Products and services

• Switchboard
• Jong&Out
• Roze 50+
• Expreszo
• Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
• Roze Loper
• Roze Gebaar
• Zonder Stempel
• Respect2Love
• AutiRoze
• Paarse Vrijdag (Purple Friday)
• COC Academy
• Digital Membership Card
• Corporate Partnership Programs

Quantifiable outcome

• Legalized same-sex marriage in the Netherlands (2001)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 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

Integration7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nike EMEAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Long-standing partnership where Nike values COC as a trusted advisor, connector, and community partner. COC participated in IDAHOBIT educational panels, and Nike's Pride Network collaborates on creating a more inclusive workplace.
• HEMAcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner participating in Winter Pride 2026, working with COC on Pride-related initiatives.
• Ahold DelhaizecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Participated in Winter Pride 2026. COC conducted Lunch & Learn sessions on LGBTQ+ inclusion and Pride communication for Ahold Delhaize's Pride team and employees from various departments.
• KLMminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026, collaborating on LGBTQ+ initiatives.
• L'OréalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• LVMHminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• The UsualminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• TikTokminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• UberminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• ConverseminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• EtosminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• The Magnum Ice Cream CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 January 2026Corporate partner at Winter Pride 2026.
• IKEA NetherlandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partnership focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion. IKEA's Country Equality, D&I Leader participated in Winter Pride events and COC has conducted educational sessions at IKEA offices, helping establish a Pride Network within the company.
• EVBoxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-year consecutive partnership supporting LGBTQ+ Pride initiatives. EVBox collaborated with COC on Pride campaigns and participated in community events.
• IHLIA (International Homo/Lesbian Information Archive)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural heritage partner receiving archival materials from COC supporters. COC members Frans and Gerard donated portions of their archive to IHLIA.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PFLAG: US-based LGBTQ+ family and ally organization with chapter-based network, comparable in grassroots volunteer-driven model and education mission.
• Human Rights Campaign: Largest US LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, comparable in policy advocacy, corporate engagement, and member-supported funding model.
• GLAAD: US LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization comparable in advocacy, corporate partnership engagement, and education/outreach mission.
• ILGA-Europe: European-region LGBTQ+ federation coordinating member organizations across Europe, directly comparable to COC's federated national advocacy model but operating at pan-European scale.
• Stonewall (UK): UK's largest LGBTQ+ rights charity providing advocacy, workplace inclusion programs, and community services—directly comparable in mission, member-driven funding model, and corporate partnership business.
• LSVD (Lesben- und Schwulenverband Deutschland): Germany's leading LGBTQ+ advocacy federation, comparable in federated national structure, multi-community sub-branding, and policy advocacy focus.
• Outright International: International LGBTQ+ human rights organization operating across 35+ countries, directly comparable to COC's international activism work and human rights advocacy focus.

Emerging players

• Transgender Europe (TGEU): European transgender rights advocacy organization, comparable as a niche-focused LGBTQ+ advocacy peer with strong EU policy engagement and member organization network.

Regional players

• Aidsfonds: Dutch HIV/AIDS and sexual health charity sharing donor base, ANBI status, and national advocacy positioning with COC, with overlapping intersection on LGBTQ+ health.
• COC Belgium: Belgian counterpart to COC Nederland sharing the same name, federated advocacy structure, and LGBTQ+ rights mission—directly comparable peer in adjacent market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-PEb0-rkP56F2Tt_hO20DA
• Facebookfacebook.com/COCNederland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coc-west-brabant
• Instagraminstagram.com/cocnld

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about COC