ORANJESTAD — The Representation of The Netherlands (VNO) sponsored 57 social projects from their Small Projects Fund last year. Most of these projects were social-oriented, such as a donation for foundation Home Care Aruba to purchase Christmas presents for their clients, and a course for addicts through foundation Adopt an Addict. Also this year, VNO welcomes new applications.With the Small Projects Fund, VNO wants to contribute ‘toward the Aruban society in the broadest sense.’ The submitted and honored projects were various, said VNO. Many youth projects received a donation, for example, the roof repair of scouting group Casibari, and a contribution towards celebrating the Day of the Children’s Rights at Centro di Bario Playa Pabao. VNO also supported cultural and sports projects.

In 2010, the Small Projects Fund had supported approximately 40 projects related to art and culture, youth, senior citizen care and animal rights. The Caribbean University of Aruba received a donation to organize a course for beach guards. The annual summer camp from Don Bosco club, the Aruban music school, foundation Ambiente Feliz, Ambiente Nobo and the Red Cross also received donations for various projects.

New application

Also this year, VNO will support projects of various foundations and organizations. Anyone can apply for subsidy. VNO departs from several criteria when assessing projects. The latter are to contribute toward a good purpose in the Aruban society. Wherever possible, the projects should consider long-term effects. The donation per project amounts to 10,000 florins at the most. The objectives of the project are described briefly. A local organization (but not a commercial company, government institute or private person) is responsible for the managing and implementing of the project on Aruba. The application does not include the costs for regular management (such as monthly rent). Requests for support can be submitted to the office of VNO on LG Smith Boulevard 44 or per e-mail: Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft JavaScript nodig om het te kunnen zien. .