We back LGBTQ+ youth building real economic independence.
About us
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. We believe financial independence is one of the most powerful forms of freedom a young person can have: it reduces dependency on an environment that isn't always safe or accepting.
Rather than running programs ourselves, we work through trusted local organizations who understand their communities best. We help them do what they cannot easily do alone - through funding, business expertise, and access to our Dutch and European network - so young people can build sustainable income, not just short-term training. We deliberately focus on one country at a time, so we can go deep rather than spread thin, and we are currently in a learning phase: building the right local partnerships before scaling our approach.
All activities are carried out transparently and efficiently, with a strong focus on measurable, lasting outcomes.
Goals
Our goal is lasting economic independence for LGBTQ+ youth - not just training completed, but income and opportunity that hold up over time. We support this through local partner organizations, focusing on the skills, resources, and connections young people need most: from language and digital skills to the tools to start their own income.
Core Activities
Identifying and building relationships with strong local partner organizations.
Providing catalyst funding to help partners launch or accelerate initiatives - until they become self-sustaining.
Offering business expertise, mentorship, and access to our Dutch and European network.
Exploring shared tools and resources - such as digital learning content - where local organizations face similar gaps.
Learning directly from the communities we aim to serve, before committing to a long-term approach.
Global Focus
Efforts are targeted worldwide, prioritizing countries where aid can have the greatest effect. Research and collaborations are used to optimize impact based on local circumstances.
Governance
The Foundation is managed by a board that oversees strategy and ensures compliance with ANBI requirements. Board members are unpaid, with only expense reimbursements allowed. Annual evaluations ensure transparency and the effectiveness of initiatives.
The Foundation is funded primarily by returns on its own capital base, rather than depending on ongoing donations or grants. Up to 10% of the endowment is available yearly to meet objectives if necessary. This structure gives us the stability to commit to local partners over the long term - even when individual projects don't succeed. All financial activities are transparently reported.
RSIN: 867332864
KVK: 95837906
ANBI Status Approved
For a full version of our vision (in Dutch), click the button below:
