Criteria submissions Appeltjes van Oranje 2026
Appeltjes van Oranje – The Award for Social Projects
Each year, the Appeltjes van Oranje are awarded to three social projects in the Netherlands and the Caribbean. These are initiatives that help create a society in which no one is left behind. Every year, a different theme takes center stage. Each of the three winners receives a bronze statuette designed and crafted by Princess Beatrix, along with a cash prize of €25,000. The prize money can be freely used within the purpose of the winning initiative. Every year, Queen Máxima presents the three Apples of Orange at Noordeinde Palace. In lustrum years, King Willem-Alexander presents the awards.
Theme 2026: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Together!
Poverty is a persistent problem that affects people in every part of our Kingdom. Its impact is profound. Poverty is about more than a lack of money — it affects health, opportunities, and the ability to participate in society. Existing poverty policies are often insufficient or overly complex, leaving people without the support they need. Social initiatives are therefore essential; they work closely with people, based on understanding and trust, and respond directly to what people need.
For the Appeltjes van Oranje 2026, we are looking for social initiatives that help break the cycle of poverty and debt in a sustainable way. Projects that not only provide support, but also strengthen people with new knowledge and skills. Initiatives that build confidence and remove barriers by working in a stress-sensitive way — or by involving people with lived experience or volunteers with a shared (cultural) background. Initiatives that open up conversations about poverty, contribute to a fairer understanding of reality, and show what becomes possible when people receive the right kind of support.
Selection process
The registration period for the Appeltjes van Oranje 2025 has ended.
In October 2026, three social initiatives will receive an Appeltje van Oranje. The selection procedure is as follows:
- The first selection by Oranje Fonds is based on the application form about the project and organizational documents (articles of association, annual accounts, four referees from the local context—including the municipality, a local initiative, and other stakeholders, etc.). We look at the criteria above and at diversity among the selected initiatives (geographic—local/national—type of organization, and approach). From all entries we select up to 40 initiatives in the Netherlands and up to 10 from the Caribbean.
- These 50 contenders take part in the online Stemtiendaagse from 18–27 May 2026. This gives them a platform and the attention they deserve. The initiative with the highest number of votes secures the first of the 10 nomination spots.
- Next, all 50 contenders pitch to each other and the jury on 12 June (Caribbean) or 13 June (Netherlands) during the Appeltjes van Oranje Pitch Day.
- The jury selects the remaining 9 nominees on this day, bringing the total to 10 nominees: in principle 8 from the Netherlands and 2 from the Caribbean. Votes from the Stemtiendaagse do not count on Pitch Day. The jury applies the criteria mentioned earlier.
- The 10 nominees are visited by Oranje Fonds in June–July. The visit to the Caribbean nominee(s) takes place immediately after Pitch Day.
- In September, the jury selects three winners. The decision is formally ratified by the Oranje Fonds board.
- All three winners receive €25,000 and a bronze Appeltje van Oranje in October.
Questions?
Do you have any questions? Check our FAQ's to see if yours is already answered. If not, feel free to email us at appeltjesvanoranje@oranjefonds.nl.
