Since 2017, the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) has been collaborating with 2MakeItHappen. What began as an inquiry about grants has evolved into a partnership that brings together expertise, practical experience, and support.
“I started out as a physical therapist and have been working at the KNGF since 2010,” says Arjan Vischer. “When the national program ‘The Right Care in the Right Place’ launched, we saw opportunities for our profession. We did have a ‘Health in the Neighborhood’ program within the KNGF, but we were actually only familiar with grants from the scientific side—not for organizing care around healthcare providers in a neighborhood or region. And then we came into contact with 2MakeItHappen.”
Support for the profession
“We established clear guidelines right from the start,” says Arjan. “What does 2MakeItHappen do for us? They assist physical therapy practices with questions about grants. Not by taking over the application process, but by offering guidance. What needs to be included, which words matter, and what are the facts—straightforward and to the point. That’s the support they provide, and they do it well.”
In addition, 2MakeItHappen and the KNGF have organized several events in recent years. “They have hosted various webinars as well as in-person meetings with physical therapists who wanted to learn more about grants. Later, these shifted to webinars. They also regularly attend events to explain their approach and funding.”
Contribute ideas and get involved
“They actively contribute ideas and tell it like it is,” says Arjan. “Critical, knowledgeable, and honest. That’s what defines our partnership.”
What strikes him most is that Leona and Marion have a thorough command of their craft. “They know exactly what angle you need to take for an application. You ask a question, and they immediately know how to approach it. They are simply more than just experts.”
According to Arjan, this approach is well suited to the complex realities of primary care. “They help with issues that many practices struggle with, such as when collaboration proves difficult. They’re proactive about it. And it doesn’t even have to go through me. Physical therapists now know how to reach out to them directly. That shows just how well it works.”
Results and next steps
“Grants are always a form of temporary funding,” Arjan explains. “You submit an application for a specific period with a clear budget. They’re able to help us a great deal with that. Long-term funding isn’t available yet, but it’s on the way. And in the meantime, we regularly manage to secure new funding.”
The partnership will therefore continue in the coming years. “We’re extending it for another two years,” says Arjan. “Some physical therapists are now doing it on their own, which makes sense. But the world of grants is constantly changing. ZonMw isn’t standing still, and neither is the world around us. We’ll just keep using 2MakeItHappen. It always pays off.”
In conclusion
We wrap up the conversation with the same question we ask everyone: How would Arjan describe 2MakeItHappen in three words?
He doesn’t have to think twice.