"I believe that every individual has a responsibility towards their fellows who live in less fortunate conditions or who are otherwise deprived. As a CEO, I argue that the corporations should realize more that they are not a world of their own, but a part of society. We need to work at that. Therefore, I encourage you to support Maholnap Foundation in its struggle for a better Hungarian society. We all have a responsibility." W.M. de Grefte, Board member of SKaN Foundation, former Director of PON Holding Bv.

Most companies would be willing to invest in the building of civil society through projects initiated by NGOs. However, they lack the adequate experience in the field of social issues, have limited human resources to carry out the evaluation procedure and decision-makers do not possess sufficient time to consider to assess the validity and usefulness of a support application. By the same token, donators request appropriate guarantees that grants are used in objective, transparent and accountable ways.

"The Dutch people, families, civil organizations and even the Dutch government have offered their assistance to the most needy groups of Hungarian society on countless occasions. Besides several hundred charity and social initiatives, CNF (Co-operating Netherlands Foundations) also gave financial support to the Hand in Hand Foundation's program for building small residential homes, and helped immensely with organisation. I believe that Hungarian civil organisations now can - and indeed must - take over fund-raising and distribution. Maholnap Foundation seeks to mobilize Hungarian businesses, companies and the most talented members of society to help solve social problems. I myself believe that the time has come for us to stand on our own feet. " Mrs Árpád Göncz Hand in Hand Foundation President of the Curatorium

Grant-making and fund-raising foundations help this. The most significant and traditional organisation, with the most numerous, reliable references of all, is the legal successor of the Co-operating Netherlands Foundation: Maholnap Hungarian Welfare Foundation.

The Co-operating Netherlands Foundations (CNF), represented by SKaN-Foundation, have been present in Hungary for more than eleven consecutive years, making their mark on the NGO sector through substantial support. Between 1991 and 2002, about 300 private NGOs were supported with a total of 8 million Euros (approximately 2 billion HUF) to NGO-related projects targeting investment and equipment purchase to promote the integration of the elderly, the handicapped, and disadvantaged groups.

Approaching the date of accession to the European Union, CNF considers the time is ripe for Hungarian society to generate local, financial resources on its own, and to carry on this successful, traditional donating movement through a local Hungarian foundation.

"The future of Hungarian society and our children depends on us - the representatives of grant-making welfare foundations and donors - and on our willingness to harness our talents, energy and money for promoting community development. " Zsolt Sándor Vice President of the Advisory Board of Maholnap Hungarian Welfare Foundation Counsellor of its co-operational projects in Hungary with CNF for more than eleven years

CNF have provided Maholnap Hungarian Welfare Foundation with not only considerable funds for establishment and donation for operational expenses and re-granting, but also with a reliable operation base, effective grant-making procedures, a nationwide (voluntary) expert-network, professional project management and a comprehensive project-monitoring system. In addition, the know-how of the Dutch administration process ensures complete transparency. In 2001 Maholnap Foundation adapted the CNF grant-making principles to the local circumstances of Hungary following its establishment.

With these advantages, Maholnap Hungarian Welfare Foundation feels confident it can dispense professional knowledge and reliable expertise to serve as a bridge between donators and grant applicants. Maholnap Foundation is a professional partner in donation procedure for companies willing to donate for social purposes. And it also provides financial support for non-profit and civil organisations through its elaborate application procedure.