
Frequently Asked Questions
Quickly find the answer to your question. You will find information here about how our application process works, how to make a donation, and about the way we work.
If you would like to submit an application
Our quick scan will instantly tell you if you’re eligible to make an application. This page also contains information about our guidelines.
After completing this quick scan, you will be directed to our application form. Once you have completed this form, our program managers will get to work, reviewing your application and deciding if there are opportunities for cooperation.
We will review all applications as soon as possible, and will let you know within two weeks whether we will process your application. If your application does not meet our criteria, we will let you know and will explain why it is not eligible for consideration.
The amounts we contribute vary from €50,000 to €1,000,000. The amount of the funding depends on the impact made by the organization and the type of funding required. In some cases, the funding amount may be smaller or larger. View the average funding amount for 2019.
We use various types of funding, the main one of which are loans. We favor loans because they help people achieve economic independence more quickly due to the fact that loans promote personal responsibility. We reallocate the loan repayments so we can fund a larger number of organizations on an annual basis. We also provide funding in the form of donations, technical support, guarantees (mainly in India) and trade financing.
If you would like to make a donation
By donating online, you’ll get it all done at once and will be joining us on our mission to build a better world. When we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt and we will keep you updated on our progress through our newsletter.
Since we are classified as a public benefit organization, your donation may be tax-deductible. You will be eligible for a tax deduction if you choose to donate a minimum of €50 for a five-year period. You can read all about how this work on this page.
The donations are allocated to value-based organizations who create opportunities for people to increase their economic independence, including agricultural cooperatives in which smallholder farmers unite to strengthen their position and bargain for fairer prices. We also support social enterprises committed to finding employment for motivated but disadvantaged job seekers. An average of 90% of all financial contributions received annually by Rabo Foundation are transferred to our project partners. Read about the impact of your donation.
Sure – you can make an online donation in no time at all. Tax-deductible donations are not available in all countries – check the tax regulations in your countries to make sure.
This option is certainly negotiable. You can set up a fund in your name by donating an amount of €150,000 or higher. If you leave your details, we will contact you and explore the available options together.
If you would like to inform us of any changes
If you move house or change your name, email address or bank account, we would appreciate it if you could let us know. If you inform us of the changes, we will update our records accordingly.
If you would like to increase or reduce the amount of your periodic donation or cancel the donation altogether, please contact us and we will handle the rest.
About Rabo Foundation
In 2019, we invested a total of €40.3 million in 390 organizations, ranging from producers’ cooperatives in Africa to social enterprises in the Netherlands. Our Annual Report 2019 details how these funds and the various projects are spread around the world.
We established the Rabo Rural Fund in 2011 and have managed the fund ever since. The fund was created for agricultural organizations that have outgrown Rabo Foundation but are not yet eligible for regular bank loans. The social impact lender provides mainly short-term loans (trade financing), which are used to purchase and process products
As impact financier, we want to know the impact of our efforts and be certain that the projects we fund create positive change in society. We chart the potential impact of each of our investments, and measure this annually through a survey.
Unfortunately, this is not possible, as we work with smallholder farmers and social enterprises, and their time is valuable. However, you can check out our projects, to learn more about our activities and find out how the farmers and entrepreneurs are faring in their various projects.
Can we help you?
If your question is not answered in this FAQ, feel free to contact us.