Mission and Vision

The Zeldzame Ziekten Fonds was co-founded in 2005 by Charles Ruijgrok. Since 2005, the foundation has experienced significant growth in raising money for research into rare diseases. We have successfully brought rare diseases to the attention of the Dutch public. And we will continue to do so!

The 2023 annual report has been published and you can view it under the heading annual report. Previous annual reports are also published on the website: view annual reports.

The target for 2023 was to raise €1,000,000, we have achieved €1,223,257. We are extremely grateful for this result and hope to increase this in 2024.

Help us take a stand against rare diseases! Whether you want to do this as a partner, donor, from a fund or as a volunteer, we welcome all help with open arms. 

Vision
The Zeldzame Ziekten Fonds finds it unacceptable that there is so little attention and resources for the fight against rare diseases. People with a rare disease are often alone.

While millions are available from the government and various funds for research into 'known' diseases. In a prosperous society like the Netherlands, everyone has the right to the right care, effective treatments and, where possible, a chance of recovery. Much more money must therefore be made available for research into rare diseases. Research increases knowledge and provides insight. Only in this way can we find causes, develop new treatment methods and bring healing one step closer. In addition, more insight can be gained about the specific needs that this group of people has.

Mission
The Zeldzame Ziekten Fonds helps people with a rare disease. We do this by raising money for scientific research, by raising awareness of rare diseases and by facilitating contact with fellow sufferers.

The Foundation Zeldzame Ziekten Fonds has been designated as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI). This means that ZZF is not for profit and is 100% committed to the public interest. The ZZF receives no government support and is completely dependent on donations and gifts from funds, private individuals and companies.

The Zeldzame Ziekten Fonds has been committed and reliable for 19 years. Involved by facilitating contact with fellow sufferers and reliable in the way we work. We are not building up reserves and the board is unpaid.