Goodplace Foundation and DierenDonatie are the first two organisations to receive the CBF Recognition for Donation Platforms. This world-first recognition has been developed by CBF, Toezicht op Goeddoen, the independent charity monitoring body in the Netherlands, to strengthen transparency, trust and accountability in the growing sector of online fundraising platforms.
“Online giving is evolving rapidly, and concerns around transparency in crowdfunding are increasing worldwide. The CBF, as an independent charity monitoring body, is responding to this need by launching the world’s first official recognition for donation platforms. This ensures that donations are handled responsibly and donors can give with confidence,” says Harmienke Kloeze, director of CBF.
Landmark in strengthening trust in online giving
Since 2016, CBF has been granting the CBF Recognition for Charities to nonprofit organisations that meet strict quality standards. Over 700 charities have already been recognised. However, digital innovations and new giving behaviours require new forms of oversight. “Donation platforms are becoming increasingly popular, and their financial turnover is rising,” Kloeze explains. “Donated euros sometimes act as ‘likes’—even after a fundraising goal is met, people continue to give as a sign of support. As a monitoring organisation, we adapt to these trends and, in some cases, lead the way. The CBF Recognition for Donation Plaftorms is a world-first—no other country has implemented this type of recognition.”
Strict standards for transparency and governance
The standards for donation plaftorms were developed by the independent Standards Commiteee, which also sets the requirements for recognised charities. Jan Jaap de Graeff, Chair of the
Commiteee, explains: “We have established 42 standards for donation platforms. Some align closely with those for charities, such as governance and financial management. Others are specifically designed for donation platforms, including clear definitions of fundraising campaigns, transparency about when a campaign starts and ends, and ensuring that donors can inquire about how funds are spent.”
One of the key standards requires donation platforms to keep funds for charitable causes separate from the platform’s own operational finances, ensuring financial integrity and accountability.
The first recognised donation platforms: Goodplace and DierenDonatie
The first two platforms to receive the CBF Recognition for Donation Platforms are DierenDonatie and Goodplace Foundation. Both organisations see this as a major step in strengthening trust in their platforms.
Daniëlle de Jonge, Chair of DierenDonatie, emphasises the importance of the recognition: “The CBF Recognition confirms that we are a high-quality organisation. Donors can be assured that their money is spent responsibly, and animal shelters know that the funds they raise will be received transparently and securely.”
John van Pijkeren, CEO of Goodplace, highlights the recognition’s impact: “This recognition helps us advance our mission. It provides credibility to donors, charitable organisations and partners, allowing us to take the next step in becoming the go-to platform for connecting donors and charities to create meaningful impact.”
Expanding transparency in donation platforms
The first two recognitions mark an important step in the professionalisation of the donation platform sector. Margreet Plug, director of Goede Doelen Nederland, stresses the importance of oversight: “Donation platforms bridge the gap between donors and charitable initiatives, making giving more accessible and impactful. Just as charities voluntarily submit themselves to independent monitoring, it’s great that donation platforms can now do the same. This recognition strengthens transparency and trust in the sector.”
“This is an important first step,” says Harmienke Kloeze. “More donation platforms will follow, but it is not about the numbers. The new recogniBon primarily contributes to the professionalisation of the sector and provides donors and charitable organisaBons with a reliable framework when engaging with a donation platform. When you see the CBF Erkend Donatieplatform (CBF Recognised DonaBon PlaCorm) logo on a Dutch website or app, you can trust that donations are being handled responsibly.”
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More information on the CBF Recognition for Donation Platforms
