The initiative broker provides advice on your initiative. For example, they will work with you to assess whether you are eligible for a grant, and can put you in touch with relevant contacts.
Initiative broker
Good idea? Make the most of it!
Have you ever had a good idea for your neighbourhood? Perhaps you’ve thought about organising a street party or setting up a picnic table for your neighbourhood? Did you know that the council might be able to help you make this happen? The council supports initiatives aimed at making Apeldoorn a little bit nicer, more fun, better or even more sociable.
If you have a good idea for your neighbourhood, you can get in touch with the council’s community initiatives officer. Among other things, they can help you apply for grants or put you in touch with partners and organisations that can assist you further.
Denise Louwerse: “I have been an initiative broker at Apeldoorn City Council since May 2023. I come from the social sector, where I supported residents through their participation programmes. Now I support residents who contact us with a wide variety of initiatives. Ideas that make our municipality even better. It’s truly wonderful to see how people come together, work as a team and give their all for their neighbourhood, community or a particular target group. I’m proud to be able to play my bit by offering support and advice. So don’t hesitate – give us a call! As initiative brokers, we’re here to help you.”.
Willeke Feliksdal: “My name is Willeke and I live in Apeldoorn with my husband and three daughters. I’ve been working as an Initiatives Broker since 2024 and I think it’s the best job there is! As someone born and bred in Apeldoorn, I love working with other enthusiastic residents to make our town and villages even more beautiful.”.
I see lots of people working hard to strengthen the sense of community in their neighbourhood. It’s brilliant to see! Do you have an idea, but aren’t quite sure how to go about it yet? I’d be happy to help!”
Meri Ismirowa: “My name is Meri Ismirowa and I live in Apeldoorn with my family. I have been the initiative broker for the municipality of Apeldoorn since 2020. I do this with great pleasure and dedication. Over the past three years, we have already helped set up many wonderful initiatives. I’m thinking, for example, of the coffee shop that opened its doors in one of our lovely neighbourhoods, the boules courts that have been built in various neighbourhoods, and the many wonderful initiatives that have fostered community spirit and brought people together. I hope these examples will inspire you to come up with even more wonderful and valuable ideas, and I look forward to hearing about your initiatives.”.
More information
Do you have an idea and would you like to discuss it? Or are you curious about the initiatives other residents are taking? We’d be happy to help.