Statutes
Equilitas Foundation
These statutes were established on 23 February 2026 before a notary in Vlaardingen for the establishment of Stichting Equilitas Foundation.
Article 1 — Definitions
In these statutes the following definitions apply:
Board
The board of the Foundation.
Written
Communication by letter, fax or e-mail, or any other commonly used communication method that can be received electronically or in writing, provided that the identity of the sender can be established with sufficient certainty.
Statutes
The statutes of the Foundation as they may be amended from time to time.
Foundation
The legal entity to which these statutes apply.
Article 2 — Name and Registered Office
- The
name of the foundation is:
Stichting Equilitas Foundation. - The foundation has its registered office in the municipality of The Hague, the Netherlands.
Article 3 — Purpose
- The purpose of the Foundation is to strengthen vulnerable and marginalized communities by supporting social and humanitarian projects that serve the public interest.
The Foundation aims to promote:
- a dignified human existence
- equal opportunities
- sustainable development
The Foundation acts as an intermediary and facilitating umbrella organisation for social organisations pursuing these objectives.
- The Foundation seeks to achieve its purpose by, among other things:
- supporting, strengthening and guiding local and international organisations that implement social or humanitarian projects
- providing capacity building, guidance and knowledge sharing
- promoting governance, integrity, safeguarding and transparency
- supporting programme planning, monitoring and impact measurement
- promoting responsible financial management, including administration and financial accountability
- facilitating cooperation, network development and access to relevant expertise and resources
- assisting in establishing cooperation agreements with partner organisations
- The objectives of the Foundation also include the acceptance or rejection of inheritances, legacies and donations.
- The Foundation does not aim to make a profit.
Article 4 — Assets
- The assets of the Foundation may consist of:
- subsidies and contributions
- donations, inheritances and legacies
- any other lawful income or assets
- Inheritances can only be accepted under the benefit of inventory.
Article 5 — Board
- The Board consists of an odd number of members with a minimum of three.
- The Board appoints from among its members:
- a Chair
- a Secretary
- a Treasurer
The roles of Secretary and Treasurer may be fulfilled by one person.
- Board members are appointed for a term of four years and may be reappointed.
A retiring board member remains in office until a successor has been appointed.
- Vacancies must be filled within three months.
If the Board cannot agree on an appointment, the appointment may be made by the court at the request of an interested party or the public prosecutor.
Article 6 — Board Meetings and Decisions
- Board meetings are held at the place stated in the invitation.
- At least one meeting every six months must be held.
- Meetings may also be held via telephone or video conference, provided all participants can hear each other simultaneously.
- The Board may only take valid decisions if the majority of members is present or represented.
- Each board member has one vote.
- Decisions are taken by simple majority, unless otherwise stated in the statutes.
- Board members must report any conflict of interest and may not participate in decision-making if such conflict exists.
- Decisions may also be taken in writing outside a meeting, provided all board members have cast their vote.
Article 7 — Powers and Compensation
- The Board is responsible for managing the Foundation.
- Board members must act in the interest of the Foundation.
- Board members receive no remuneration.
- Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed upon presentation of supporting documents.
Article 8 — Representation
The Foundation may be represented by:
- the Board, or
- two jointly acting board members, of whom one must be the Chair or the Secretary.
The Board may grant power of attorney to a board member or third party within defined limits.
Article 9 — Termination of Board Membership
Board membership ends:
- upon death
- loss of legal capacity
- resignation
- dismissal by court
- periodic retirement
Article 10 — Financial Year and Accounts
- The financial year is equal to the calendar year.
- The Board maintains proper administration of:
- assets
- activities
- rights and obligations of the Foundation
- Each year the Treasurer prepares:
- a balance sheet
- a statement of income and expenses
- These accounts must be presented within six months after the end of the financial year.
- The Board keeps a register of distributions made by the Foundation.
Article 11 — Committees
The Board may establish one or more committees, whose duties and powers will be determined by internal regulations.
Article 12 — Regulations
The Board may adopt internal regulations regarding matters not covered by the statutes.
These regulations may not conflict with the law or the statutes.
Article 13 — Amendment of the Statutes
The Board may amend the statutes.
A decision to amend requires a two-thirds majority of the votes cast in a meeting where all board members are present or represented.
If not all members are present, a second meeting may decide with the same majority.
Article 14 — Dissolution and Liquidation
The Foundation may be dissolved by decision of the Board.
Any remaining assets after liquidation must be transferred to:
- an organisation with a public benefit purpose, or
- a foreign organisation with a comparable public interest objective.
Article 15 — Final Provision
In all cases not covered by the law or the statutes, the Board decides.
Article 16 — Transitional Provision
The first financial year runs until 31 December 2027.
- First Board (at establishment)
At the establishment of the Foundation the first board consisted of:
- Ewald Pierre — Chair
- Anna Elizabeth Wilhelmina Koutstaal — Treasurer
- Roelf Folkersma — Secretary