Mission
Supporting initiatives that bring people together
Stichting Depolarisatie makes projects by scientists, writers and journalists possible that help bridge divides in society. Through research, stories and encounters, they create space for mutual understanding and dialogue.
What we support
We assess plans from initiators that come with a well-founded budget, and provide financial support to strong projects. These may be projects that offer ideas, knowledge, examples or practical tools to make conversations across divides possible. The initiators carry out the work themselves. We do not promise that every conflict can be resolved.
What do we mean by depolarisation?
By polarisation we do not mean that people disagree. Differences of opinion belong in an open society. It becomes harmful when groups mainly see each other as ‘us’ versus ‘them’, and no longer see the other person as a human being but as an opponent.
For us, depolarisation does not mean that differences have to disappear. It is about people with different views being able to keep seeing, hearing and talking to one another.
That is why we support external projects that make room for dialogue, nuance and new insights, and in doing so bring people together.
Independence
We do not take a party-political position. We assess initiatives on their social contribution and quality of approach. Stories and practical examples are central, not party-political positions.
Three areas of focus
- 01
Stories
We support journalistic projects that show how people bridge divides. Real experiences offer examples to learn from.
- 02
Encounter
We contribute financially to talks and encounters by initiators, where people exchange experiences and ideas about dealing with divides.
- 03
Knowledge and practical tools
We support projects by initiators that offer knowledge and practical tools to make conversations across divides possible.