For over a century, Cordaid has been a pillar of support for communities in need. Founded in the Netherlands, with its headquarters in The Hague, Cordaid extends its mission of compassion and social justice both globally and locally.
Addressing Poverty and Social Exclusion in the Netherlands
Despite economic stability, poverty and social exclusion persist in the Netherlands, affecting nearly 8% of the population. Cordaid empowers individuals to break free from poverty and fully participate in society. Our initiatives support people in need and foster inclusivity, connection, and understanding among people.
We focus on small-scale, community-driven projects led by dedicated volunteers. These initiatives reach people in vulnerable circumstances with care and professionalism, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.
A Legacy of Compassion
Cordaid’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and social development is deeply rooted in its history. As a founding member of Caritas Internationalis, we uphold a global mandate for emergency relief, development cooperation, and advocacy. Additionally, we contribute to locally-led solutions for social justice worldwide through other faith-based networks, such as the ACT Alliance and CIDSE.
SOME OF OUR KEY RESULTS
Results & Indicators
1 million people in the Netherlands live in poverty
14,000 young people are homeless
20,000 people visit Cordaid-supported drop-in centres weekly
10,000 individuals receive financial guidance through debt counselling
WHAT WE DO THE NETHERLANDS
Cordaid supports grassroots initiatives through direct funding, private donations, and volunteer engagement. We prioritise projects led by Catholic and ecumenical organisations, including parishes, lay groups, and civil society initiatives. Our support includes project funding, volunteer training, and strengthening social outreach efforts.
We also advocate for greater national and international solidarity, engaging people from all backgrounds through campaigns and awareness initiatives to promote justice and compassion.
SchuldHulpMaatje: Empowering People to Overcome Debt Since 2021, Cordaid has supported SchuldHulpMaatje, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals navigate financial difficulties. With 100 locations across 140 municipalities, SchuldHulpMaatje provides preventative debt assistance and coaching.
Coach at SchuldHulpMaatje Dries (right) and client Melvin have worked together for over 3 years. Dries helps Melvin get an overview of his finances and become debt-free. But it’s more than that. Melvin says the conversations with Dries have given him a new level of confidence in himself, other people, and life. Photograph: Arie Kievit/Cordaid
Peter Rijsdijk, director of SchuldHulpMaatje Nederland, states, ‘We help people in vulnerable situations to make a fresh start. We aim to provide hope and practical support so they can rebuild their lives debt-free.’ Volunteers work alongside individuals to develop long-term financial plans, helping them regain control and confidence in their future.
Netwerk DAK: A Community of Support Cordaid also partners with Netwerk DAK, an umbrella organisation for drop-in centres providing essential services to those in need. These centres offer a safe space for the homeless, refugees, and individuals experiencing social isolation or financial hardship.
In the fall of 2024, Cordaid organised an awareness and fundraising campaign about the problem of homelessness in the Netherlands. Luca is one of the homeless youth who participated by sharing their story. ‘After a very difficult childhood, I became homeless three years ago. Fortunately, I was able to stay with someone for short periods. But constantly moving from one place to another was very hard. I felt dependent and broken. It became a vicious cycle that I couldn’t escape. However, sometimes, there is something beautiful just around the corner. You just have to keep going to find it.’ Photograph: Arie Kievit/Cordaid
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE
At Cordaid, we believe in the power of community-driven change. We welcome funding applications from church-affiliated initiatives in the Netherlands and invite individuals and organisations to join us in building a more just and inclusive society.
For more information, please get in touch with our thematic expert.
