What Knooppunt Informele Zorg does

Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a Dutch non-profit foundation (Stichting) headquartered in Geleen, Limburg, that operates as a free front-door gateway for informal care in the Westelijke Mijnstreek region (Sittard-Geleen, Beek, Beekdaelen, Stein, Echt-Susteren). Founded in 2018 and integrated into MIK & PIW Groep following the September 2019 merger of KiM and PIW Groep, the organization employs approximately 16 staff and serves residents seeking advice, referral, or support across volunteer matching, caregiver support, neighborhood assistance, loneliness, (early-stage) dementia, palliative care, and social participation. Service delivery is human-led: front-office staff such as Marjo Beumers (since January 2023) and Fenn Knoors conduct needs assessments by phone, email, and contact form, then route callers to the appropriate resource within a partner network of over 40 formal and informal care organizations.

The organization's product portfolio comprises four core offerings: De Brug (volunteer deployment including Brugmaatjes companionship, dementia volunteers, and VPTZ palliative volunteers, integrated September 2023 with 160+ trained volunteers), Het Dementieplein (a December 2024 initiative providing structured meeting places and activities for people with early-stage dementia), Contactpunt Eenzaamheid (a loneliness contact point for Sittard-Geleen and Beek), and Kennisplein Informele Zorg (a January 2020 digital knowledge and training platform for volunteers, informal caregivers, and experiential experts). Technology is limited to public-facing web properties and a bimonthly professional newsletter; the underlying operating model is staff-mediated coordination rather than automated triage.

Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The economic model is municipal commissioning through Wmo (Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning) contracts led by Gemeente Sittard-Geleen, supplemented by co-funding for specific initiatives (Loneliness Contact Point, Samen Sterk tegen Eenzaamheid). All services to residents are provided free of charge, and De Brug volunteer deployment is fully unpaid. The organization has no disclosed VC, PE, or individual ownership and operates entirely within the non-profit welfare infrastructure of the Limburg region.

Name

Knooppunt Informele Zorg

Legal name

Stichting Knooppunt Informele Zorg

Website

https://knooppuntinformelezorg.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a Dutch non-profit foundation that provides free coordination and referral services for informal care to residents of the Westelijke Mijnstreek, operating a 40+ partner network and the De Brug volunteer program within MIK & PIW Groep.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Informal Care Coordination Services

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Care Coordination & Navigation (Multi-Provider) (HLADALAB)

Keywords

• Informal care coordination
• Volunteer support services
• Caregiver referral services
• Social welfare coordination
• Community care network

Headquarters

HQ city

Geleen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Public funding / municipal commissioning: Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a foundation (Stichting) that operates as part of the MIK & PIW Groep, a social services umbrella group covering child care, social work, and community well-being. Its operations are funded through municipal contracts and public social-domain (Wmo) commissioning. Services to residents are provided free of charge.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a Stichting (foundation) that operates as a free, low-threshold front door for informal care in the Westelijke Mijnstreek region of the Netherlands. It conducts needs-assessment conversations with residents and professionals, and connects them to an appropriate informal care resource across a network of 40+ partner organizations. It also coordinates De Brug volunteer deployments (companionship, dementia and palliative support), Het Dementieplein (dementia meeting places), Contactpunt Eenzaamheid (loneliness contact point), and Kennisplein Informele Zorg (training platform).

Product overview

Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a coordination point for informal care services operating as a unified organization rather than a modular platform. The core offering is the coordination and referral service for informal care in the Western Mining Region. Key related offerings include De Brug (volunteer services for companionship and dementia/palliative support), Het Dementieplein (dementia meeting places and activities), Contactpunt Eenzaamheid (loneliness intervention services), and Kennisplein Informele Zorg (a digital knowledge platform for professional development training). All services are free and supplementary to formal care, delivered primarily through staff-assisted case management rather than automated digital products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Knooppunt Informele Zorg (Coordination and Referral Service)
• De Brug Volunteer Services
• Het Dementieplein
• Contactpunt Eenzaamheid Sittard-Geleen en Beek
• Kennisplein Informele Zorg

Quantifiable outcome

• Buurtbemiddeling (neighborhood mediation) has a positive outcome in 75% of situations, including long-term results.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• MIK & PIW GroepcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2019Knooppunt Informele Zorg is a foundation and part of MIK & PIW Groep, a merged social services group formed on 1 September 2019 through the merger of KiM and PIW Groep. The group encompasses child care (Spelenderwijs, MIK Kinderopvang), social welfare (Partners in Welzijn), active lifestyle (Ecsplore), Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin Westelijke Mijnstreek, and Knooppunt Informele Zorg itself. The merger aims to strengthen integrated and preventive service delivery across child care and social work.
• De BrugcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Brug (Thuishulpcentrale De Brug) is a volunteer organization integrated into Knooppunt Informele Zorg since 1 September 2023. With over 160 trained volunteers, it provides social companionship (Brugmaatjes), support for people with dementia, and palliative/terminal care volunteers across Sittard-Geleen, Beekdaelen, Beek, Stein, and Echt-Susteren. The integration strengthens informal care delivery under a single coordination point.
• Partners in WelzijncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners in Welzijn is a social welfare organization active in the Westelijke Mijnstreek, operating Sociaal Plein locations and managing various community programs. It is a key referral and collaborative partner of Knooppunt Informele Zorg, sharing the mission of strengthening informal care and social cohesion.
• VivantesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVivantes is a healthcare provider operating nursing homes and hospice facilities in the Westelijke Mijnstreek. Vrijwilligers palliatieve terminale zorg (VPTZ) from De Brug are deployed in Vivantes nursing homes and hospice Daniken. Knooppunt Informele Zorg and Vivantes collaborate on dementia care and end-of-life support.
• Humanitas Westelijke MijnstreekmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitas is a volunteer-based social support organization offering practical assistance and companionship. It serves as a referral and collaborative partner for Knooppunt Informele Zorg in addressing social isolation and practical support needs.
• MEE Zuid-LimburgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEE Zuid-Limburg provides support and advocacy for people with disabilities, chronic illness, or social vulnerability. It collaborates with Knooppunt Informele Zorg on connecting vulnerable residents with appropriate informal and formal care resources.
• Steunpunt Mantelzorg Westelijke MijnstreekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteunpunt Mantelzorg Westelijke Mijnstreek provides support, information, and respite for informal caregivers. It operates under Partners in Welzijn and is a key partner in the informal care ecosystem, referring caregivers to and from Knooppunt Informele Zorg.
• Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin Westelijke Mijnstreek (CJG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentrum voor Jeugd en Gezin (CJG) provides information and support on upbringing, education, and family health. As part of the MIK & PIW Groep, it collaborates with Knooppunt Informele Zorg on shared initiatives such as professional development and community outreach.
• Centrum voor Levensvragen Westelijke MijnstreekmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentrum voor Levensvragen provides support for life questions related to serious illness, aging, and bereavement. It partners with Knooppunt Informele Zorg on events such as the Dag van de Levensvragen and joint educational initiatives on palliative and end-of-life care.
• EcsploremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcsplore is an organization promoting healthy, active lifestyles for all ages, focused on Positive Health. It collaborates with Knooppunt Informele Zorg on initiatives such as the Dementieplein (movement, social, and cultural activities for people with early-stage dementia) and lifestyle programs for 50+ residents.
• Huisartsenpraktijk De BaandertmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGP practice De Baandert has been a key collaborator since 2018, co-organizing neighborhood networking meetings ('Praktisch verbinden in de wijk') and the Wijksafari initiative with Knooppunt Informele Zorg to strengthen connections between formal and informal care in the De Baandert neighborhood.
• Zuyd Hogeschool (Lectoraat Informele Zorg)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZuyd Hogeschool's Lectoraat Informele Zorg (Chair of Informal Care, led by Marianne Potting) collaborated with Knooppunt Informele Zorg to organize five knowledge sessions on informal care topics in 2019, sharing research insights on volunteer management, caregiver support, and the changing roles in the social domain.
• Buddyzorg LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuddyzorg Limburg provides buddy support for people with a serious illness. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Burgerkracht LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBurgerkracht Limburg supports community initiatives and civic engagement. Collaborates on topics such as loneliness and young informal caregivers.
• Coach4UminorOthersCoach4U provides coaching services. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• De LuisterlijnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Luisterlijn (formerly Sensoor) provides a 24/7 anonymous listening ear by phone, chat, or email for people facing psychological difficulties or loneliness. Listed as a partner organization on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• De PijlerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDe Pijler is a community organization. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• ExodusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExodus provides support for people with addiction issues. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Fietsen Alle JarenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFietsen Alle Jaren enables elderly and disabled individuals to participate in cycling activities. Associated with the 'riksja' (rickshaw) project in collaboration with De Brug and Vivantes.
• Gilde De GravenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGilde De Graven provides volunteer-based educational and cultural services. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• HipHelpt (Hulp In Praktijk Westelijke Mijnstreek)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHipHelpt provides low-threshold, short-term, free practical help (errands, transport, small chores) for people with few social contacts and limited financial means. Works with approximately 60 volunteers and is a key partner for practical informal care support.
• Huisartsenmaatschap Medisch Centrum KluismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGP group Medisch Centrum Kluis co-organizes neighborhood networking meetings with Knooppunt Informele Zorg to strengthen formal-informal care connections in the Kluis/Geleen Zuid area.
• Ik & Mijn GelukminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIk & Mijn Geluk is a well-being organization. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Jongerenloket Westelijke MijnstreekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJongerenloket provides information and support for youth in the Westelijke Mijnstreek. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• KBO LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKBO Limburg is a senior citizens' organization affiliated with the Catholic tradition. Collaborates on loneliness initiatives and senior well-being programs.
• Leger des Heils (Salvation Army)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Leger des Heils (Salvation Army) operates community facilities in Sittard-Geleen and addresses loneliness and social vulnerability. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Levantogroep VrijwilligersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLevantogroep Vrijwilligers deploys volunteers for various social support functions. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• MCC OmnesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCC Omnes is a healthcare collective. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Mentorschap LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentorschap Limburg provides professional mentorship for people with mental health or cognitive challenges. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• PergamijnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPergamijn is a care and welfare organization. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Platform Mantelzorg LimburgmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform Mantelzorg Limburg is the regional umbrella organization for informal caregiver support. Collaborates on caregiver events, webinars (e.g., KRACHTIG & kwetsbaar on young caregivers), and awareness campaigns.
• Rode Kruis (Red Cross)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRode Kruis provides first aid, disaster relief, and social support services. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Gemeente Sittard-GeleencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe municipality of Sittard-Geleen commissions informal care coordination services and co-funds initiatives such as the Loneliness Contact Point and the Samen Sterk tegen Eenzaamheid coalition. It is a primary public-sector partner.
• Stichting PelitaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStichting Pelita provides tailored support and care for Indisch and Moluccan elderly. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Toon Hermans Huis SittardmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerToon Hermans Huis Sittard provides a meeting place for people with cancer and their relatives. Collaborates with Knooppunt Informele Zorg on supportive care and social participation programs. Hosted the launch event of Het Dementieplein in December 2024.
• Vereniging Kleine Kernen LimburgminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVereniging Kleine Kernen Limburg represents and supports small village communities in Limburg. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Weer op WegminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeer op Weg provides reintegration and employment support services. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• Werkplaats FinanciënminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWerkplaats Financiën provides financial guidance and support. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• YpsilonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYpsilon supports families affected by psychosis. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.
• ZelfregietoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZelfregietool supports self-management and peer support networks, including the Zelfregienetwerk and lotgenotencontact (peer contact) groups. Collaborates on network events and supports initiatives such as the Corona Support Group.
• ZonnebloemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZonnebloem Sittard-Geleen organizes social activities for people with disabilities. Listed as a partner on the Knooppunt Informele Zorg collaboration partners page.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Humanitas: Major Dutch welfare organization offering volunteer-led companionship, practical assistance, and social support across many regions. Overlaps significantly with Knooppunt/De Brug's Brugmaatjes and informal-care volunteer deployment, but operates at national scale as a broad incumbent.
• Leger des Heils Nederland: Salvation Army Netherlands, addressing loneliness, social vulnerability, and community support. Directly comparable mission to Knooppunt's Contactpunt Eenzaamheid and informal-care work, but at national scale and with broader social-service scope.
• Buurtzorg Nederland: Large Dutch home-care organization providing professional (paid) nursing and care in patients' homes. Adjacent rather than identical, but addresses the same population at the boundary between informal and formal care that Knooppunt mediates.
• Rode Kruis Nederland: Dutch Red Cross, providing social support, first aid, and community-based assistance. Comparable in deploying volunteers for social-vulnerability relief, but at national scale and with broader mandate including disaster response.

Direct peers

• Stichting Present: Dutch volunteer-match organization connecting volunteers with people needing practical help in their neighborhoods. Highly comparable to De Brug's companionship and HipHelpt's practical-help functions within Knooppunt's network.
• Mezzo: National Dutch association for informal care and volunteer support, offering referral, advice, and training services. Closely comparable to Knooppunt's coordination/referral role for informal caregivers and volunteers across the Netherlands.
• MantelzorgNL: National Dutch association for informal caregivers, providing information, advocacy, and support pathways for the same caregiver population Knooppunt serves. Directly comparable in coordinating informal caregiver resources at scale, though operating nationally rather than regionally.
• Partners in Welzijn: Social welfare organization operating Sociaal Plein locations in the Westelijke Mijnstreek and a sister entity within MIK & PIW Groep. Provides directly comparable community well-being, referral, and front-door welfare services in the same geography.

Others

• Vilans: National Dutch knowledge center for long-term care, providing research, training, and best-practice dissemination. Complementary to Knooppunt's Kennisplein Informele Zorg platform and a reference peer for care-coordination methodology.
• Zorgbelang Nederland: Dutch patient and care advocacy organization representing client interests across the care system. Comparable in supporting care navigation and advocating for resident/client needs, but with a national advocacy focus rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knooppuntinformelezorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Knooppunt Informele Zorg