Milieuwerk focuses on people who often have nowhere else to turn. “We help people in a vulnerable position in the labor market find paid work,” says David Jansen, director of Milieuwerk. “People who have difficulty finding or keeping a job. Many people with mild intellectual disabilities, multiple challenges, language barriers, former homeless individuals, and former addicts.”
He grins: “Local governments used to call us the dregs of social Amsterdam. And that’s something we’re actually quite proud of. These are exactly the people who can’t get a break anywhere else, and who still deserve a chance.”
The partnership with 2MakeItHappen
For an organization like Milieuwerk, the work is often more complex than it seems. The focus is on people, but there is also a lot of paperwork, regulations, and funding involved.
“Grants are never your core business,” says David. “And if you make even one mistake, you get nothing. So it’s nice when someone makes sure everything goes smoothly.”
Milieuwerk came into contact with 2MakeItHappen through a joint grant application. “At first I thought: grants? That’s not my world. But when I spoke with Leona, I knew right away: this works. Clear, fast, and no-nonsense. Just say, ‘David, deliver this’—and I’ll do it. Short lines of communication—that’s what I like.”
More than just advice
The collaboration is also yielding tangible results:
- A €70,000 grant from the City of Amsterdam to expand social employment opportunities;
- A grant of €250,000 was awarded through Mdieu, aimed at promoting the long-term employability of employees.
- And a joint " Opportunities for West" application with four other social entrepreneurs.
“We do work that benefits society more than it benefits us,” says David. “Thanks to 2MakeItHappen, we can now continue to do that on a regular basis.”
Trust and pace
What makes the difference for David is the way they work together.
“They understand that a social enterprise needs to be able to adapt quickly,” he says. “No endless meetings or reports, but people who contribute ideas, pick up the phone, and just get to work. That suits us.”
When asked to sum up the partnership in three words, he doesn’t have to think twice:
“Fast, friendly, and informal.”
He's smiling…
