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Author: Britt van Mill

Natuur & Milieufederaties

How can residents work together to heat their homes without using natural gas? Through the ‘Warm door Water’ project, the Nature & Environment Federations are demonstrating that this is possible with a mini-heat network based on aquathermal energy. By harnessing heat from a nearby ditch, pond or canal, several homes can make use of a single sustainable heat source. The project is developing a practical and replicable approach, so that residents’ initiatives, installers and local authorities will soon be able to apply this solution in more locations.

Decade of Action

Stichting Goeie Grutten supports Decade of Action in its mission to present a new vision for the future: an economy that works in harmony with nature rather than depleting it. Through their platform, We Are The ReGeneration, they bring together the stories of creators, change-makers and pioneers working towards regeneration, demonstrating that a different economic system is not only necessary but also achievable.

In the coming years, Decade of Action is committed to further strengthening this movement and accelerating the transition to a regenerative society. Their ambition is clear: by 2030, the mission will be accomplished and the organisation will be able to disband, as the movement will continue to grow under its own steam.

Public Food

Public Food is committed to food justice. Their mission: to make healthy and sustainable food accessible to everyone. Affordable, readily available and close by. Just like a library or clean drinking water.

Through the Mensa Mensa initiative, Public Food demonstrates what this looks like in practice: a public space where people can eat well, learn and come together.

The Goeie Grutten Foundation supports the scaling up of this approach. Based in Rotterdam South, Public Food is working on expansion and on plans for a second location in Amsterdam.

True Price Foundation

Many products appear cheap, but the true costs to people and the environment often remain hidden. Consider the damage caused by CO₂ emissions, the loss of biodiversity, or underpayment within the supply chain. True Price makes this ‘true price’ transparent by factoring in social and environmental costs from farm to fork.

By making these hidden costs visible, True Price provides tools for recovery, compensation and prevention. In this way, the organisation contributes to fair value chains and better-informed choices by businesses and policymakers. The Goeie Grutten Foundation supports True Price because of their innovative approach and contribution to systemic change within the food system.

RECIPE

The protein transition in healthcare calls for meals that are plant-based, nutritionally complete and tasty, whilst maintaining protein quality and good nutritional value. RECIPE, developed by Wageningen University & Research, assists chefs and dietitians in this regard with an innovative, AI-driven recommendation system. By combining insights into protein quality, nutritional value and taste, the system supports the creation of plant-based meals that meet patients’ needs. In this way, RECIPE is accelerating the transition to sustainable menus in more than 50 healthcare institutions.

Wissel ‘ns Wat!

The protein transition calls for behavioural change on a large scale. From 2026, the national campaign ‘Wissel ’ns Wat!’ will give this a fresh impetus by encouraging consumers, in an accessible and positive way, to choose plant-based options more often. This campaign is the successor to National Meat-Free Week.

Instead of focusing on what you leave out, the campaign centres on what you add: more flavour, variety and enjoyment at the table. Through concrete, relatable moments (from lunch to barbecues), the switch is made achievable and appealing. The Goeie Grutten Foundation supports this renewed approach because of its focus on broad behavioural change and its contribution to a more sustainable food system.

Read more: www.wisselnswat.nl/over-ons/

Climate Tech Connect Foundation

The Climate Tech Connect Foundation strengthens the climate tech ecosystem in the Benelux by connecting innovators, investors and policymakers. Through targeted matchmaking and investment support, Climate Tech Connect helps start-ups scale up more quickly and gain access to capital. In addition, Climate Tech Connect is building an active community and encourages new investments in climate solutions every year.

Events such as the Climate Tech Summit bring parties together and accelerate collaboration. In this way, a powerful network is growing that contributes to a sustainable and future-proof economy.

Natuur & Milieu

As well as reducing emissions, it is also necessary to remove CO₂ from the air. Natuur & Milieu’s Climate Positive programme highlights opportunities for carbon storage in the Netherlands and what is required to achieve this. The focus is on sectors with high potential, such as industry, and on how these solutions can also generate economic value. With this knowledge, Natuur & Milieu aims to galvanise political action to enable large-scale sustainable carbon removal from 2030 onwards. The Goeie Grutten Foundation supports this initiative because of its contribution to effective and forward-looking climate policy.

Amnesty

The space for free speech and organisation is under pressure from increasing government surveillance, both online and offline. This makes it harder for citizens and civil society organisations to speak out safely and hold those in power to account. Amnesty is committed to countering this trend and protecting this space. Through research, policy advocacy and lobbying, the organisation works to curb legislation that enables far-reaching online monitoring. In this way, Amnesty contributes to the preservation of an open society in which people can freely express themselves and organise. The Goeie Grutten Foundation supports this work because of the importance of fundamental rights within a democratic society.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

SPOON

Transparency is a cornerstone of democracy. Thanks to the Open Government Act (Woo), anyone can request government information. However, in practice this is often complicated.

SPOON helps citizens, journalists and civil society organisations to effectively exercise their right to information. By sharing knowledge, providing advice and developing training courses, SPOON aims to make it easier to request and use government information.

With their new Training & Advice branch, they not only strengthen the skills of individuals and organisations, but also contribute to a broader culture of openness and trust in the government.