About the Appeltjes van Oranje

Each year, the Appeltjes van Oranje are awarded to three social projects in the Netherlands and the Caribbean. These initiatives work toward a society in which no one is left to fend for themselves. Every year, a different theme is highlighted

The early years are often a struggle, followed by years of perseverance — and that remains the reality for many social initiatives. Yet some organizations manage to become truly indispensable in their village, neighborhood, city, island, or even across the country. 

Each of the three winners receives a bronze statuette designed and crafted by Princess Beatrix, along with a cash prize of €25,000. The funds may be used freely in line with the goals of the winning initiative. Every year, Queen Máxima presents the three Appeltjes van Oranje at Noordeinde Palace. In anniversary years, King Willem-Alexander presents the award. 

What is the "Stemtiendaagse"?

The Stemtiendaagse (Ten Days of Voting) is a key part of the Appeltjes van Oranje selection process. During this voting period, the Oranje Fonds invites everyone to vote for their favorite contender. The initiative that receives the most votes automatically becomes the first of the ten official nominees. 

In early October 2025, three social organizations will be awarded the coveted Appeltje van Oranje. 

They will have gone through the following selection process: 

• Initial Selection by the Oranje Fonds, based on their application. 
• The “Stemtiendaagse” (Voting Period) from May 19 to 28, during which the public can vote for their favorite initiative. The initiative with the most votes automatically becomes the first of the ten nominees. 
• Pitch Days on Friday, June 13 (Caribbean) and Saturday, June 14 (Netherlands), where shortlisted candidates pitch their initiative. During these days, the remaining nine nominees are selected. 
• Final Jury Selection in September, when a jury chooses the three winners from the ten nominees. 

When and How Can I Vote?

You can cast your vote between May 19 and May 28, 2025, via this website. Here’s how it works: 

1. Click the vote button for your chosen project. 
2. You will then receive a confirmation email. Click the link in that email to confirm your vote. Only then will your vote be valid. 

Important: If you don’t see the confirmation email, please check your spam folder. Your vote is only valid once it has been confirmed. 

All website content & mails are in Dutch.