Gouda celebrates 2,000th GoudApot grant with multicultural choir funding
A multicultural choir in Gouda has received over €1,400 in funding from GoudApot, marking the 2,000th application to the local initiative. Residents can apply for grants to foster community projects, from cultural events to neighborhood improvements, enhancing social cohesion in the city.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Recipient | Multi Culti Choir |
| Purpose | Singing Dutch songs to help non-native speakers improve their language |
| Amount Granted | €1,400 |
| Funding Use | Purchase of party box and first year’s rental |
| Total Applications (2025) | 232 (172 granted) |
| Total Funding (2025) | €240,000 |
| Volunteers at GoudApot | 30 (17 assessors) |
| Application Milestone | 2,000th application |
| Location | De Walvis, Gouda |
| Municipality Involvement | Provides subsidy to GoudApot foundation |
GoudApot is a local foundation in Gouda that distributes municipal subsidies to community-driven initiatives. The municipality of Gouda allocates funds to GoudApot, which independently evaluates and grants financial support to projects that enhance social cohesion and quality of life in the city.
Happy with Openrijk?
Then support us with a small contribution
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
2,000th application to GoudApot is for Multi Culti Choir
The application for financial support to launch a Multi Culti Choir in De Walvis is the 2,000th application received by GoudApot. “More and more Gouda residents have found their way to us over the past nine years,” says a satisfied Hans Te Baerts, chairman of GoudApot.
The Multi Culti Choir will sing Dutch-language songs every Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM to help non-native speakers improve their Dutch. “With pleasure, the assessors have granted just over €1,400 for the purchase of the party box and the first year’s rental,” Te Baerts explains. Alderman Judith Sargentini visited De Walvis on Wednesday, March 25, along with the GoudApot board to congratulate the participants and sing along with the choir.
Connecting Gouda residents
GoudApot supports small and large initiatives that bring Gouda residents together. Ideas that make the street, neighborhood, district, or city more pleasant, social, or nicer. The municipality of Gouda provides the subsidy to the GoudApot foundation, which can spend it as it sees fit.
‘Applications are diverse and well-distributed’
Gouda residents can submit an application via the GoudApot website. In 2025, there were 232 applications, of which 172 were granted for a total of approximately €240,000. These include gatherings, meetings, and events for culture, education, sports, and activities, as well as beautification of public spaces and nature and green initiatives. Te Baerts says: “The applications are very diverse and well-distributed across the city. We are particularly charmed by small-scale initiatives by Gouda residents that bring people into contact with one another.”
30 volunteers at GoudApot
The applications are assessed by volunteers. GoudApot has around 30 volunteers, 17 of whom are assessors who decide in groups of four or five whether an application will be granted. The application and the decision, including the reasoning, are published on the website and accessible to everyone.