Aukje te Kaat

About Aukje te Kaat

Aukje te Kaat is an independent fundraiser, sociologist and therapist in Utrecht. She supports organisations working for social causes with fundraising, project development and building partnerships.

Support

Aukje guides organisations through the fundraising process, from researching funding to reporting on its use.

• Researching grant and fund opportunities
• Assessing funding prospects and feasibility
• Developing a fundraising strategy
• Developing project concepts into projects that can attract funding
• Forming partnerships and strategic collaborations
• Building and maintaining relationships with funds and collaboration partners
• Starting up projects after funding is awarded
• Coordinating application processes
• Writing grant and fund applications
• Reviewing applications and giving feedback
• Assessing fundraising readiness
• Guiding and coaching staff
• Discussing and advising during ongoing processes
• Co-writing interim or final reports

Suitable initiatives

Her focus is on social initiatives related to mental and emotional development, empowerment and community building.

• Youth programmes that build resilience
• Training programmes for vulnerable people
• Programmes that encourage connection with nature
• Projects on personal development in education
• Neighbourhood initiatives that reduce loneliness
• Projects that connect young people from different neighbourhoods
• Programmes on sexual health and relationship skills
• Initiatives for mental, emotional and spiritual growth
• Initiatives that promote body awareness
• Participation in MDT (Dutch Social Service Time programme)

Approach

A programme starts with an introductory conversation. She then maps funding opportunities and agrees the scope of her work with the organisation.

• Introductory conversation about the initiative
• Where possible, attend an activity or visit a programme
• Map the funding landscape and promising funding opportunities
• Discuss and agree the estimated number of hours together

Background

Aukje has experience with Dutch and international funds and worked in international development cooperation. Since January 2026, she has worked as an independent fundraiser.

• Involved in mental health, personal development and empowerment for more than 15 years
• Involved in fundraising since 2015
• Between 2015 and 2025, she raised more than € 3,5 million in funding
• Master’s degree in Sociology
• Advanced Master in Conflict & Development Studies
• PhD research on life skills for young professionals