What Stichting VIPvoorElkaar does

Stichting VIPvoorElkaar is a Dutch nonprofit foundation (stichting) operating a hyper-local volunteer matching platform for the municipality of Gilze en Rijen in North Brabant, with extended coverage into Alphen-Chaam and Baarle-Nassau via the Dorpsteam ABG partnership. Founded circa 2015 and celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025, the organization connects residents needing help with 400+ active volunteers through a free digital marketplace and a portfolio of approximately 20 specialized programs covering language learning (Taalmaatjes, Het Praathuis), digital skills (Digimaatjes, Voorleesmaatjes), financial support (Financiële Maatjes, Budgetcafés, Goed met geld), social contact (Tijd Voor Twee, Kom Erbij lunch), transportation (ANWB AutoMaatje, Boodschappenbus), repairs (Repair Café, Klust Mee), and integration of newcomers at the AZC asylum seekers centre (Participatiebalie). The platform provides e-matching by location and interest, in-app messaging, and safety guidance; physical touchpoints include Ontmoetingsplekken meeting places throughout the region. VIPvoorElkaar is a regional node within the NLvoorelkaar network managed by The Impact Department (KvK 53111761, headquartered at Reduitlaan 33, Breda), which supplies the core platform technology, privacy infrastructure, and national scale; The Impact Department holds platform copyright and shares joint-controller responsibility for data processing.

The organization is funded almost entirely by municipal and partnership support: the municipality of Gilze en Rijen provides the core subsidy, with additional support from GGD Hart voor Brabant, the Rotaryclub, ANWB, COA, Dorpsteams ABG, and other local partners. All services are free at the point of use for both volunteers and help seekers, with no fees charged to organizations listing volunteer opportunities. The organization pursues a community-led go-to-market: word-of-mouth and partner referrals drive supply-side growth (volunteers) and demand-side growth (help requests), supplemented by owned social channels (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram), an email newsletter, press releases, and physical events such as Repair Cafés and community lunches. Corporate volunteering (MVO/CSR onboarding for local companies) is an emerging channel. The organization holds a Nationale Vrijwilligersprijs 2022 (National Volunteer Prize), was audited for WCAG 2.1 Level B accessibility compliance in 2024, and operates under GDPR/AVG. Revenue figures, fundraising rounds, and complete financial statements are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Stichting VIPvoorElkaar

Legal name

Stichting VIPvoorElkaar

Website

https://vipvoorelkaar.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VIPvoorElkaar is a Dutch nonprofit foundation operating a free volunteer-matching platform and ~20 specialized community programs for residents of Gilze en Rijen, part of the national NLvoorelkaar network managed by The Impact Department.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Volunteer Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK)

Keywords

• Volunteer matching platform
• Community support services
• Nonprofit foundation services
• Local volunteer coordination
• Social welfare programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Breda

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government and municipal funding: VIPvoorElkaar is supported by municipal funding from the municipality of Gilze en Rijen and likely other government sources as a social welfare initiative. The organization operates as a non-profit foundation.
2. Partnerships and donations: The organization receives support from partners including GGD Hart voor Brabant, Rotaryclub, and other local organizations. Annual reports and financial statements are published.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Stichting VIPvoorElkaar operates a free digital volunteer matching marketplace for residents of Gilze, Rijen, Hulten, and Molenschot in the Netherlands. Users register as help seekers (hulpvragers) or help providers (hulpaanbieders), post requests/offers, exchange messages, and arrange in-person matches. Surrounding the platform, the organization coordinates approximately 20 specialized community programs covering language learning, digital skills, financial guidance, transport, repair services, companionship, and youth volunteering, all delivered free of charge and funded by municipal government grants and partner support.

Product overview

VIPvoorElkaar operates as a community matching platform with an integrated portfolio of support modules. The core product is a digital marketplace where residents of Gilze, Rijen, Hulten, and Molenschot can post help requests (hulpvragen) or volunteer offerings (hulpaanbod), exchange messages, and arrange in-person assistance. Surrounding this core platform, VIPvoorElkaar offers approximately 20 specialized activity modules organized across six thematic areas: Language & Digital (Digimaatjes, Taalmaatjes, Het Praathuis, Voorleesmaatjes), Finance & Administration (Budgetcafés, Financiële Maatjes, Goed met geld), Meeting/Encounter (Kom Erbij lunch, BuurtvoorElkaar, Film Die Je Raakt, Oogcafé, Beweegmaatjes, Zeit Voor Twee), Participation (AutoMaatje, Klust Mee, Repair Café, Fiets mee, Boodschappenbus, Kunst door de Brievenbus), Volunteer Central (Participatiebalie AZC, De Verschilmakers), and seasonal programs (Zomeractiviteiten 55+). The organization also provides support for businesses wanting to engage in employee volunteering (maatschappelijk betrokken ondernemen/MBO/MVO).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VIPvoorElkaar Platform A free digital matching marketplace for residents of Gilze, Rijen, Hulten, and Molenschot where users register as volunteers or help seekers, post help requests or offers, exchange messages, and arrange in-person matches through an e-matching system based on location and interest.
• AutoMaatje (ANWB) Volunteer-driven transport service (under the ANWB AutoMaatje brand) where volunteers with their own cars transport less mobile residents to social, medical, or practical destinations, supporting social participation for those who cannot use regular transport.
• Repair Café Free community repair workshop where skilled volunteers help residents fix broken household items, clothing, or appliances, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.
• Taalmaatjes (Taal Verbindt) Informal one-on-one Dutch language buddy program pairing non-native speakers with volunteer language partners to learn Dutch as a second language outside a classroom setting.
• Financiële Maatjes Free financial buddy program providing non-judgmental, one-on-one support to residents struggling with personal finances to help them regain overview and organize their financial situation.
• Tijd Voor Twee Companionship program pairing lonely individuals with a fixed volunteer who provides weekly visits and personal attention to combat social isolation.
• Participatiebalie AZC Prinsenbosch Weekly participation desk at the AZC Prinsenbosch asylum seekers center in Gilze, helping newcomers sign up for volunteer work and integration activities in partnership with COA.
• Klust Mee Home and garden odd-jobs assistance program matching volunteers with residents who need help with household or garden tasks they cannot do themselves.
• Digimaatjes Digital skills assistance program where volunteer 'digimaatjes' help residents who struggle with digitalization, devices, and online tools.
• Boodschappenbus Grocery shopping assistance service providing transportation and help with grocery shopping for residents who cannot do so independently.
• Kom Erbij lunch Social lunch gatherings where residents can meet new people, have conversations, and potentially form friendships, addressing loneliness and social isolation.
• Budgetcafés Free drop-in centers where residents can get help with administrative questions, forms, and money matters from professionals and volunteers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400 volunteers make a difference daily in Gilze and Rijen
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NLvoorelkaar / The Impact DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIPvoorElkaar is part of the national NLvoorelkaar network of volunteer matching platforms managed by The Impact Department based in Breda. The parent organization provides the platform technology, privacy policies, general terms, and network infrastructure. The Impact Department (KvK 53111761) is headquartered at Reduitlaan 33, 4814 DC Breda.
• Dorpsteam ABGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVIPvoorElkaar and Dorpsteam ABG work together to strengthen the social foundation in the municipality. Dorpsteams operate in Alphen-Chaam, Baarle-Nassau, and Gilze en Rijen, providing free support for residents on topics of money, housing, upbringing, health, relationships, and social participation. The partnership enables cross-referrals and joint community building.
• GGD Hart voor BrabantminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional health service listed as a partner of VIPvoorElkaar, supporting community health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Rotaryclub Gilze en Rijen en DongevalleiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Rotary club supporting VIPvoorElkaar activities and community projects.
• Zonnebloem Rijen MolenschotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Zonnebloem chapter (national organization supporting disabled individuals) partners with VIPvoorElkaar for community activities.
• Centraal Orgaan opvang Asielzoekers (COA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe COA operates the AZC (asylum seekers center) in Gilze where VIPvoorElkaar runs a participation desk (#Meedoen project) helping asylum seekers register for volunteer work and integration activities. Ministry of SZW, COA, and Vereniging Vrijwilligerswerknl have visited this collaboration.
• Dagopvang De OntmoetingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDay care facility in Gilze partnered with VIPvoorElkaar, listing volunteer opportunities on the platform.
• ANWB AutoMaatjecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVIPvoorElkaar coordinates the local ANWB AutoMaatje transport service for less mobile residents, where volunteers with their own cars transport people who cannot use regular transport. ANWB provides the brand and framework; VIPvoorElkaar manages local operations.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stichting MEE: Dutch nationwide network of disability support organizations providing information, advocacy and independent living support. Comparable on serving people with disabilities and elderly (Tijd Voor Twee, Oogcafé, Digimaatjes touch this population) and on a free, regionally-organized service model.
• Vrijwilligerswerk.nl: National Dutch volunteer matching platform connecting volunteers with nonprofit vacancies. Directly comparable on digital matching functionality and target audience (volunteers + organizations), though broader geographically and more vacancy-focused than help-request focused.
• Stichting Present: Dutch nonprofit that matches volunteers from churches and community groups with people in need (elderly, lonely, practical support). Comparable model: volunteer intermediation, social welfare focus, free-to-user, partner-driven referral network.
• Geef.nl: Dutch online donation and charity platform for nonprofits. Comparable as a free digital marketplace that connects supporters with social-welfare causes, although the transactional flow is financial rather than time-based volunteering.
• NLvoorElkaar (The Impact Department): National umbrella network of regional volunteer matching platforms operated by The Impact Department (Breda). VIPvoorElkaar is a regional partner under this network; directly comparable in core product (digital volunteer matching) and target users (volunteers and help seekers).

Broad incumbents

• Samenwerkende Lokale Initiatieven (Stichting SAM&): Alternative umbrella: Lokale Krachten Nederland / LKCA supports cultural and community initiatives. Loosely comparable as an ecosystem body supporting local volunteer and community organizations, though its primary focus is culture rather than welfare.
• Oranje Fonds: Dutch social fund that supports volunteer and community initiatives nationally, including running NLdoet (the largest volunteer day) and subsidy programs. Comparable in mission space (volunteer mobilization and community welfare) but operates as a funder/incumbent rather than a direct matching platform.
• Marktplaats: Largest Dutch classifieds platform with active informal 'help each other' listings (transport, repairs, services). Adjacent competitor for casual help-seeking behavior, but operates as a broad commerce marketplace rather than a community welfare intermediary.

Regional players

• VluchtelingenWerk Nederland: Dutch national NGO supporting refugees and asylum seekers with integration, language and participation support. Comparable to VIPvoorElkaar's #Meedoen / AZC Participatiebalie and Taalmaatjes programs serving newcomer populations in the same region.

Emerging players

• Join Us (Helden van Morgen): Dutch volunteer matching startup (formerly Join Us) that connects individuals with one-off or short-term volunteer opportunities at NGOs. Comparable digital-first volunteer matching concept but skews toward episodic urban volunteering rather than ongoing hyper-local community support.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vipvoorelkaar
• Facebookfacebook.com/VIPvoorelkaar
• Instagraminstagram.com/vipvoorelkaar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vipvoorelkaar

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 VIPvoorElkaar