The Co-operating Netherlands Foundations (hereafter: CNF) have been present in Hungary since 1991. This alliance was established as a result of the initiative of the four biggest Dutch Foundations, SKaN Foundation, Oranje Fonds (Foundation Oranje Fonds), Foundation Het R.C. Maagdenhuis and Foundation for Children's Welfare Stamps Netherlands, and with the participation of many other smaller foundations to support social projects. The support aimed to promote the democratic transition and development of civil society in Central and Eastern Europe. With CNF financed investments, several hundred non-profit organisations specializing in social services were able to implement their grass-root initiatives to strengthen civil society and help disadvantaged groups in the region.

For eleven years, in the course of the Hungarian grant application procedure a Hungarian project co-ordinator, an independent Expert Committee, and an Advisory Board carried out the transparent and effective distribution of donations of CNF. In 2001 the Maholnap Hungarian Welfare Foundation was founded as the legal successor of CNF activities in Hungary.

In the beginning, all social non-profit and civil organisations which were already financed the majority of their activities from other sources were able to apply to Maholnap for additional support, regardless of location or activity. This ensured the successful realization of the projects funded, as well as the programs' long-term survival. Since 1993, supporting the impoverished north-eastern and eastern regions of the country became a larger priority. At the same time, the foundation has put additional focus on innovative, model-projects helping disadvantaged groups, and grass-root initiatives appearing in small villages.

Between 1991 and 2002, we have provided support for about 300 private NGOs with a total value of 8 million Euros. More than 2 billion HUF in direct aid encouraged local sponsors, companies, individuals and local governments to invest three times this amount to implement social projects. The projects helped approximately four thousand families, and we have been able to improve the living standards of sixteen thousands people.