Empowering marginalized youth for a brighter future.
Economic indepedence. A foundation for freedom.
Backing LGBTQ+ youth who build their own future.
The Jan Cornelis Foundation supports LGBTQ+ youth aged 16 to 35 who face barriers to economic independence - not because of a lack of ambition or ability, but because of who they are.
For many, financial independence is more than opportunity: it reduces dependency on an environment that isn't always safe or accepting. We believe that is one of the most powerful forms of freedom a young person can have.
We work through trusted local organizations who know their communities best. Rather than running programs ourselves, we help them do what they cannot easily do alone - through funding, connections, or the tools to build something that lasts. Our aim: not just training delivered, but real, sustainable income for the people we reach.
We’re just getting started…
The Jan Cornelis Foundation was founded in December 2024. Our first years are a deliberate learning phase: understanding what local organizations and LGBTQ+ youth actually need before we commit to a long-term direction. In 2025 we explored our first partnerships, and in 2026 we began our first local collaboration in Kenya - learning alongside experienced partners like Hivos.
Skills for a better future
The Jan Cornelis Foundation supports LGBTQ+ youth in building real, lasting economic independence. We do this primarily by backing local organizations that offer training, mentorship, and access to opportunity - helping remove barriers like language, technology, and certification that stand between young people and sustainable work or income.
Learning equipment
Access to devices and connectivity is often the first barrier. As part of our learning phase, we're exploring how to help local partner organizations provide laptops, tablets, and other essential equipment - so more young people can take part in online and hybrid training that leads to real opportunity.
Collaborating for greater impact
We don't work alone, and we don't try to do everything ourselves. By partnering closely with a small number of trusted local organizations - rather than spreading thin across many - we can go deep instead of wide. Together, we combine their knowledge of the community with our access to capital, networks, and expertise, so support for LGBTQ+ youth actually lasts beyond a single project or funding cycle.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
info@jancornelisfoundation.nl