The Van Leer Foundation is an independent Dutch organization with a global reach, dedicated to fostering inclusive societies where all children and communities can thrive. Since 1949, we have been committed to supporting young children, caregivers, and communities worldwide. Our work is rooted in the legacy of the Van Leer Family and their leadership in early childhood development, the human sciences, and the arts.

We support scalable ideas around the world, partnering with organizations to achieve social impact. Our unique approach combines funding, knowledge sharing, technical assistance, executive education, and advocacy. We prioritize sharing knowledge and learning to understand what works for sustainable change at scale. Our diverse team of 40+ professionals from over 20 nationalities brings expertise in various fields, ensuring our values of fairness, creativity, and service leadership are upheld. The Van Leer Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees who guide our mission towards building inclusive societies. Explore our knowledge library and discover how we are making a difference globally.