Rabobank and Jeugdeducatiefonds join forces to give even more children the best opportunity to thrive

A bike. Glasses. School supplies. For most children, these are just part of everyday life. For children in the Netherlands growing up in poverty, they are not always a given — and that affects their development and opportunities. A child without a bike may struggle just to get to school. Without glasses or the right school supplies it is more difficult to fully take part in class.

The Jeugdeducatiefonds helps primary schools remove these financial barriers. When a teacher notices that money troubles are holding back a child’s development, the school can apply for support from the Jeugdeducatiefonds. From practical things like a bike or glasses, to help that improves a child’s health or situation at home or broadens their world, such as coaching or therapy, a bed, tutoring or help with the cost of a school trip.

The Jeugdeducatiefonds runs a School Meals Program, providing around 383,000 children all over the country with breakfast, fruit and lunch at school, so no child has to sit in class hungry.

Money worries at home affects children directly, and it can also have long-term consequences. A child who’s struggling in school now because of stress at home is more likely to fall behind in school, which can limit their chances in the job market later in life. By helping children early, a family’s financial situation doesn’t determine the opportunities a child gets in the future.

Starting in September 2026, Rabobank will donate 4.2 million euros to the Jeugdeducatiefonds every year for three years, making it the foundation’s biggest financial supporter. The contribution is expected to enable around 250,000 additional requests for help each year, and will allow the foundation to take on more schools. Around 250 schools are currently on the fund’s waiting list. With Rabobank’s contribution, these schools can also join the Jeugdeducatiefonds, helping even more children.

Mark Schunselaar, Fundraising Team Coordinator at the Jeugdeducatiefonds:
“Hundreds of thousands of children in the Netherlands struggle in school. Not because they have trouble learning, but because they’re growing up in poverty. We believe every child deserves the best possible chance to develop. That is why we support children through primary school, a place of trust for children and their parents. We couldn’t do this without partners like Rabobank.”

Janine Vos, Executive Board member, Rabobank:
“The circumstances into which you are born should not determine the opportunities you receive. The Youth Education Fund ensures that children growing up in poverty can fully participate at school and focus on what truly matters: learning, exploring, and developing their talents. By supporting schools in this effort, we help children at a moment when it really makes a difference. For Rabobank, this is a natural partnership. Health, equal opportunities, and financial well-being are essential foundations for broad prosperity. That is why we are proud to contribute to the valuable work of the Youth Education Fund."

As a cooperative bank without shareholders, Rabobank gives part of the profit back to society each year. Health and equal opportunities are key priorities for the bank, with a particular focus on children and vulnerable groups. Through partnerships such as the one with the Youth Education Fund, Rabobank aims to contribute to a financially healthy and resilient society in which everyone can participate and develop to their full potential.

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