Connecting generations
We support projects that bring young and old closer together in their neighbourhood.
Careibu Foundation
The foundation behind Careibu
Careibu Foundation (formerly Stichting SeniorenStudent) has been a public-benefit (ANBI) foundation since 2014, supporting seniors to age independently and happily. We connect seniors with a versatile, energetic and reliable helper: a student. Young + Old = Gold!
What we do
Connection between young and old
The foundation supports projects that contribute to connection, care, and reciprocity between generations.
Social impact
Less loneliness and stronger neighbourhoods through meaningful, reciprocal contact.
Careful guidance
Matches and projects get attention so contact stays safe and valuable.
Social care
A need for companionship and support
People in the Netherlands are living longer, and more and more children grow up with too little personal attention. At the same time, the care system has changed, society is becoming more individualistic, and life increasingly plays out in the digital world. Many requests for help are not only about physical care or homework: seniors and children need companionship, support, and someone who is truly there.
About 49% of people aged 65+ in the Netherlands feel somewhat to moderately or severely lonely — nearly half of all seniors.
About half of primary-school pupils do not reach the target reading level. Extra practice and a familiar face beside them make a difference.
That's why it's important to create room for personal help and companionship alongside regular care. That's what Careibu Foundation offers: social care for seniors and for children, through buddy and reading projects.
Mission
Started small, big ambition
On one hand, we want the social care we offer to eventually become a natural part of elder care in the Netherlands. This increases seniors' self-reliance and reduces loneliness. On the other hand, we want to strengthen the bond between young and old.
At Careibu Foundation we bring generations closer together, which leads to more mutual understanding and less division. Both generations can learn a lot from each other and support one another. The social care our students provide helps seniors feel comfortable, strong, and respectfully supported.
How it started
From Careibu to where we stand today
How the foundation grew out of Careibu, and how both organisations work together today.
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Careibu as a matchmaker (2009–2013)
Careibu starts with OppasStudent, PoetsStudent and Senior&Student: students matched with individuals looking for babysitting, household help or support for seniors.
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Stichting SeniorenStudent (2014)
Founders Lotte and Anne van Oudheusden set up a foundation for seniors who need company and support but cannot afford the cost of a student. That foundation is now called the Careibu Foundation.
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Projects across the Randstad
From the foundation, projects such as companionship work, city trips and the MDT programme Jong+Oud=Goud grow, along with children’s projects such as MDT Maatjes voor Kinderen, Lezen met Kinderen and Jongerenbrigade, in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Delft and The Hague.
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Today: steward-owned
Careibu is steward-owned : the organisation is held by stewards who safeguard its social mission. Profit goes back to the cause, not to outside shareholders. The Careibu Foundation safeguards that social mission; Careibu runs the matches and projects day to day.
“In the first year of our regular Senior&Student service, many seniors reached out to us who could really use the help and company of a student, but could not afford it. We also found a large group of seniors with a real need for support in becoming more self-reliant and growing their social network. For every Careibu Foundation project, we draw up a concrete plan to work towards that.”
Board
The board of Careibu Foundation
Other information
Remuneration policy and documents
Remuneration policy
Careibu Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation. Since 1 January 2025, board members each receive a volunteer allowance of 1,200 euros per year.
The foundation works with volunteers who receive no payment for their work. They receive a volunteer allowance in line with the applicable rules. The foundation has no staff on its payroll. Part of the foundation’s work is outsourced to Careibu; the related costs are accounted for in the annual report.
As a public-benefit (ANBI) foundation, we meet the fiscal requirements for gifts. Donations may be tax-deductible. Below you'll find annual reports, ANBI disclosure forms and the privacy statement (documents are in Dutch, as no English version exists).
Annual reports and financial statements
- Jaarrekening 2025
- Jaarverslag inclusief jaarrekening 2024
- Jaarverslag inclusief jaarrekening 2023
- Jaarverslag 2022
- Jaarrekening 2022
- Jaarverslag 2021
- Jaarrekening 2021
- Jaarverslag 2020
- Jaarrekening 2020
- Jaarverslag 2019
- Jaarrekening 2019
- Jaarverslag 2018
- Jaarverslag 2017
- Jaarverslag 2016
- Jaarverslag 2015
ANBI publication form
Privacy statement
Support our work
Your contribution helps make more matches and projects possible.