WILLEMSTAD – Ten community-based organizations from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are in the running for the 2025 Appeltje van Oranje, a prestigious annual award presented by the Oranje Fonds. The public can cast their votes until May 28 via stem.oranjefonds.nl. 

This year’s theme is “Essential Links”, highlighting initiatives that bridge the gap between people in need and support services, playing a vital role in strengthening community ties. 

Four of the ten selected organizations are based in Curaçao: 

Stichting ManUniko 

Fundashon Pro Bista Korsou 

Stichting Kinderbescherming Curaçao 

Human Rights Caribbean Foundation 

The remaining six organizations are located across the other Dutch Caribbean islands. 

The project with the highest number of public votes will automatically receive a nomination. An additional nine organizations will be selected by a jury following a pitch event in June. From these ten finalists, three winners will be announced in October. 

Each Appeltje van Oranje consists of a bronze statuette designed by Princess Beatrix, along with a €25,000 cash prize. The awards will be presented by Queen Máxima during a ceremony at Paleis Noordeinde in The Hague. 

More information about the award and the participating projects can be found at oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes.