What Stichting SAMAH does

Stichting SAMAH is a Dutch nonprofit foundation (stichting) founded in 1999 and headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands. It serves unaccompanied minor refugees (alleenstaande minderjarige vreemdelingen, or AMV) aged 12–27 in the Netherlands — young people who arrived in the country without their parents before age 18. SAMAH provides information, peer support, and community engagement to address challenges related to asylum procedures, finances, education, housing, mental health, and social integration, including for those who have received negative decisions from the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service). The organization is distinctive for its "expert by experience" model, in which former AMV youth actively participate in helpdesk operations, content development, training delivery, and project governance.

The core service is the SAMAH Helpdesk, a national point of contact accessible by phone (06 360 594 21), WhatsApp, and email, complemented by outreach visits to COA and Nidos shelter locations. SAMAH operates structured programs including 'Move it Forward' (future-planning training for youth facing negative IND decisions, co-developed with Stichting Lifegoals Nederland), 'PAY attention to your future' (financial self-sufficiency training), 'Welkom in onze klas' (education support), and the SAMAH Support Network (peer support). The organization produces a multilingual content portfolio of booklets, comics, books, podcasts (SAMAH Talks), factsheets, whitepapers, and a magazine ('Je bent niet alleen!'), most of which are freely available as digital downloads. SAMAH does not develop proprietary technology products; its operational infrastructure consists of a website, social media channels, an online shop, and standard communication tools.

SAMAH's revenue model is grant-and-donation-dependent, with ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling) status enabling tax-deductible donations. Income streams include public donations via IBAN, institutional grants from foundations (Kansfonds, Stichting Kinderpostzegels, VSB Fonds, Janivo, Fundatie Van den Santheuvel Sobbe, Fonds 21, Pro Juventus, Corbello Stichting), and government funding (Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid). Marginal fee-based revenue is generated through professional training programs (€495 per person) and low-cost printed publications (€2 per booklet, €15 per book). All core services for youth — including the helpdesk, community activities, and most informational resources — are provided free of charge.

Name

Stichting SAMAH

Legal name

Stichting SAMAH

Website

https://samah.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Stichting SAMAH is a Dutch nonprofit foundation founded in 1999 that supports unaccompanied minor refugees (AMV) aged 12–27 in the Netherlands through a national helpdesk, peer-driven community programs, co-created informational content, and professional training, funded primarily by grants and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services / Refugee Support

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Newcomer & Refugee Student Support Programs (EDAJAGAH), Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance (BPAGAAAH)

Keywords

• Refugee support services
• Nonprofit community programs
• Peer support networks
• Youth information services
• Professional training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Hilversum

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and charitable contributions: SAMAH relies on donations from the public, facilitated through its ANBI-status and an IBAN (NL78 INGB 0005 1818 11). Donations directly benefit youth, the Helpdesk, and community activities.
2. Grants and funding from foundations and government: SAMAH receives financial support from multiple organizations including Stichting Kinderpostzegels, Kansfonds, Pro Juventus, Corbello Stichting, Stichting Janivo, VSB Fonds, Fundatie Van den Santheuvel Sobbe, Fonds 21, and the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid).
3. Sale of publications and materials: SAMAH sells printed informational booklets, comics, and books at low cost (e.g., €2 per booklet, €15 per book) to cover production and shipping. Digital versions of many publications are available for free download.
4. Professional training fees: SAMAH offers fee-based training programs for professionals working with unaccompanied minor refugees, such as the 'Begeleiding jongeren die een negatieve beschikking krijgen' training at €495 per person, including lunch.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Stichting SAMAH is a Dutch nonprofit foundation that supports unaccompanied minor refugees (AMV) in the Netherlands through a national helpdesk (phone, WhatsApp, email), community-driven peer support programs, training initiatives for youth and professionals, and a portfolio of co-created informational publications (booklets, comics, books, podcasts, factsheets). Its core offering centers on accessible information provision, expert-by-experience peer guidance, and community engagement to strengthen the future prospects of young single refugees.

Product overview

SAMAH is a foundation for and by young single refugees (unaccompanied minor foreigners/AMV) that provides information, support, and peer connection services. The core offering is the SAMAH Helpdesk — a national helpdesk available by phone, WhatsApp, and email — supplemented by training programs (Move it Forward for rejected youth), the SAMAH Community for peer support, and SAMAH on Location for outreach. SAMAH produces a portfolio of information materials including booklets on finances (SAMAH Talks money), mental health (Het gaat goed maar hoofdpijn), discrimination (Praat met Me), and procedures (Ik mag niet blijven. En nu?), along with books (Reisgenoten), comics (Ik mag blijven. En nu?), podcasts (SAMAH Talks series), magazines, factsheets, and guides. Programs targeting specific needs include PAY attention to your future (financial self-sufficiency), Welkom in onze klas (education support), and the SAMAH Support Network. All offerings are developed collaboratively with experienced experts and young people themselves.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SAMAH Helpdesk National telephone, WhatsApp, and email helpdesk providing information, support, and guidance to unaccompanied minor refugees (AMV) in the Netherlands. Available for youth in asylum process, those living in municipalities, or those whose applications have been denied.
• Move it Forward Training program for young refugees aged 18-25 who came to the Netherlands as minors and received a rejection from the IND. Combines sports activities with thinking assignments to develop future prospects despite negative decisions, focusing on talents and ambitions rather than location.
• PAY attention to your future Project that increases financial self-sufficiency of single young refugees aged 12-27 through trainings, experiential experts, and workshops on finances, rights, and obligations.
• Welkom in onze klas Three-year project improving educational opportunities for (former) unaccompanied minors through information materials, decision-making support, study skills development, and advocacy for inclusive education.
• Travel companions – Then Now Later (Reisgenoten) Book by Semir, an expert by experience at SAMAH, describing the journey of young single refugees from childhood dreams through flight to settlement in the Netherlands. Sold at €15 per book; digital PDF also available.
• Ik mag niet blijven. En nu? Information booklet explaining what happens when receiving a negative decision from IND, including options, choices, rights, and future perspectives for rejected young refugees. Sold at €2 per booklet.
• Ik mag blijven, en nu? Comic strip giving insight into the life of a young person during the six months after receiving residence permit, showing both beautiful moments and challenges.
• Het gaat goed, maar hoofdpijn Information booklet about mental health for young refugees, with stories from experienced experts, information about what mental health is, and what young people can do themselves or where to get help.
• Praat met Me Information booklet about exclusion and discrimination for young refugees, explaining what it is, why it exists, and what young people can do when it happens to them.
• SAMAH Talks money Booklet providing overview and explanation of basic financial matters important for young refugees who need to take care of themselves financially, including income, expenses, and tips from other youth.
• SAMAH Talks Podcast Series Podcast series where young unaccompanied refugees, experts by experience, and professionals discuss topics including finances, turning 18, discrimination, arriving in the Netherlands, and mental health.
• Talk To Me Workshop or guest lesson on exclusion and discrimination, delivered by a SAMAH professional and an expert by experience, discussing what exclusion/discrimination is, its causes, and what to do if it happens.
• SAMAH (Op)groeigids Guide containing information on how to support youth growing up in the Netherlands and why this support is essential for young people.
• Whitepaper Onderwijs AMV Whitepaper titled 'Geen tijd te verliezen: naar onderwijs voor AMV dat aansluit, uitdaagt en perspectief biedt' about education for unaccompanied minors.
• SAMAH Support Network Peer network by young refugees for young refugees, providing support with practical questions about daily life in the Netherlands including housing, help for family, and accessing services.
• SAMAH on Location Outreach program where SAMAH visits shelters to inform young people about the national helpdesk and community, providing introductions, education sessions, and answering questions from experiential knowledge.
• SAMAH Community Community of older youth who help newcomers by answering questions, attending appointments, providing training, and developing projects. Members can participate in activities, workshops, and join conversations.
• Magazine 'Je bent niet alleen!' Magazine made by young people for AMV youth living at COA locations, containing tips, experiences, and stories from youth themselves.
• SAMAH Factsheets Series of factsheets for professionals working with former unaccompanied minors, covering topics such as money/finances, school/education, and mental health.
• Rapport Volg je Dromen tot je niet langer kunt leven Research report presenting outcomes of a study tracking single young refugees whom SAMAH has guided for years, examining whether they built futures, achieved dreams, and feel at home in the Netherlands.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,000+ young people have participated in SAMAH projects and activities
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stichting Lifegoals NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAMAH and Stichting Lifegoals Nederland co-developed the 'Move it Forward' training program for unaccompanied minor refugees who have received or are at risk of receiving a negative IND decision. The program combines sports activities with thinking assignments to help young people work on future prospects and processing.
• National AMV Platform (Landelijk AMV Platform)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAMAH participates in the national AMV platform alongside Pharos, Nidos, COA, Vluchtelingenwerk, and IND. The platform facilitates knowledge exchange, good practices, and collaboration among organizations working with unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. It aims to improve coordination, identify bottlenecks, and develop preventive solutions for AMV reception and guidance.
• Welzijn LelystadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAMAH collaborated with Welzijn Lelystad to create the 'Overview of Financial Situation former AMV' document, providing concrete data on the financial reality of young single status holders.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland: The Dutch Council for Refugees is the largest national NGO supporting refugees in the Netherlands, providing legal aid, advocacy, and direct support. Sits on the same national AMV Platform as SAMAH and is the most direct peer in mission, though broader in scope (all refugees, not just AMV) and more advocacy-led.
• Stichting Nidos: Nidos is the Dutch national guardianship organization for unaccompanied minor refugees (AMV), appointed by the state to act as legal guardian. Direct functional peer on the same target group; differs in being a statutory body rather than a youth-led foundation. Co-member of the national AMV Platform.
• Pharos: Pharos is the Dutch national center of expertise on health disparities and refugees/migrants, producing knowledge, training, and methodologies for professionals working with refugees. Comparable professional-support and content-development role; sits alongside SAMAH on the national AMV Platform.
• Defence for Children Nederland: Defence for Children is a Dutch children's rights organization that advocates for unaccompanied minors in legal and policy forums, including IND procedures. Comparable mission focus on AMV and similar professional/policy audience, but with a more legal-advocacy orientation rather than peer-led community support.

Others

• Stichting Kinderpostzegels: Kinderpostzegels is a major Dutch children's charity that funds SAMAH's webinars, magazines, and location projects. Not a peer in delivery but a key funding partner; included for context on the Dutch AMV funding ecosystem and as a comparison point for comparable children's-welfare foundations.
• Kansfonds: Kansfonds is a Dutch participatory fund supporting citizens' initiatives for a stronger society, including SAMAH's Move it Forward. Not a peer in service delivery but a central funder; included as an ecosystem participant and for comparison with similar social-impact funders active in the Dutch AMV space.

Broad incumbents

• Save the Children Nederland: Save the Children Netherlands is the Dutch arm of a global children's rights and humanitarian organization. Comparable in serving refugee and migrant children and producing training content for professionals, but operates globally and across many child-welfare domains rather than AMV-specifically.
• War Child Holland: War Child is a well-established Dutch-founded humanitarian organization working with children affected by armed conflict, with programming in both emergency and integration contexts. Comparable focus on youth affected by displacement, but global in scope and trauma-care-oriented rather than AMV-specific.
• UNICEF Nederland: UNICEF Netherlands advocates for children's rights, including refugee and migrant children, and funds programming in the Netherlands and globally. Comparable in serving vulnerable children including AMV, but as a broad incumbent operating across all child rights, not a community-led AMV specialist.

Regional players

• International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC is a major international humanitarian organization serving refugees and displaced people with programs across resettlement, education, and economic recovery. Comparable in delivering refugee support services and professional training content, but operates from a US/UK base and serves different primary geographies, making it a regional/thematic peer rather than a direct Dutch competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCib40wD6Uex4o8QATrLrzqg
• Facebookfacebook.com/StichtingSAMAH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stichting-samah
• Instagraminstagram.com/stichting_samah
• TikToktiktok.com/@stichtingsamah

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Stichting SAMAH