Policy Plan 2026-2027

Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation

Planting seeds, growing miracles

RSIN: 868660012

Statutory Seat: Amsterdam

Business Address: Buiten Nieuwstraat 61, 8261 AR Kampen

Policy Period: 2026–2027

1. What We Stand For

Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation aims to contribute to a world in which people and the Earth thrive together.

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We believe that a garden can be much more than a place where food is grown. It also restores the soil, provides space for plants and animals, and empowers people with the knowledge and opportunities to build a healthy future for themselves.

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From that mindset, we are developing the concept of the Heavenly Garden: a biodiverse, edible garden featuring nine plant groups, where food production, nature, education, and community strength come together.

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We do not just want to give people something; above all, we want to enable them to move forward independently. That is why we combine knowledge and training with access to seeds, plants, and trees. What starts with a single garden can subsequently spread to other families and communities.

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Malawi is the first international location where we are further developing this approach. Since 2023, we have gained experience there through various initiatives and pilot projects. During the 2026–2027 policy period, we aim to expand this approach further and explore what is needed to let the model grow sustainably and locally.

2. Objectives

Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation aims to serve the public benefit by contributing to a sustainable, biodiverse, and resilient living environment in which people, the Earth, and communities can thrive together.

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To this end, the foundation focuses on, among other things:

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• Promoting biodiversity and nature restoration;

• Encouraging sustainable and ecological management of the living environment;

• Promoting sustainable and local food production;

• Increasing knowledge and awareness regarding nature, ecology, food, and permaculture;

• Promoting education on nature and care for the living environment;

• Sharing knowledge on planting, caring for, and propagating plants, trees, and seeds;

• Strengthening community self-reliance and resilience;

• Supporting local initiatives that contribute to food security, biodiversity, and nature restoration;

• Promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing.

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The foundation is non-profit.

3. Mission

Onze missie is om mensen te inspireren en te ondersteunen bij het creëren van Hemelse Tuinen: biodiverse, eetbare ecosystemen waarin mens en aarde samen tot bloei komen.

We geven mensen toegang tot kennis, planten, zaden en praktische vaardigheden waarmee zij gezonde bodems kunnen creëren, voedsel kunnen verbouwen, biodiversiteit kunnen versterken, planten en zaden kunnen vermeerderen en een gezonde toekomst voor de komende generaties kunnen nalaten.

Daarbij vinden we het belangrijk dat kennis en middelen niet alleen bij één persoon terechtkomen. We willen dat mensen hun kennis en plantmateriaal vervolgens kunnen delen met anderen en dat dat delen van deze mooie kennis ook wordt beloond.
Zo kan een kleine bijdrage uitgroeien tot iets dat zichzelf steeds verder verspreidt.
 

4. Our Vision

We dream of a world in which every human being is allowed to grow and flourish, and where every community has access to healthy food, fertile soil, biodiversity, and the knowledge to live together sustainably with the Earth.

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We believe that every garden can be a place where abundance is created, where people learn to collaborate, where ecosystems recover, and where future generations can build a hopeful future.

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By strengthening local communities, we aim to contribute to a movement of regeneration in which humanity and the Earth flourish together.

5. Our Way of Working

The foundation operates based on a few simple core principles:

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Local Knowledge and Engagement:

We align as much as possible with existing knowledge, organizations, and initiatives. Local people know what is happening and what works in their environment. Their knowledge and ownership therefore form a key starting point.

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Self-Reliance:

We want to prevent support from leading to dependency. That is why we always combine the provision of materials with the knowledge and skills people need to proceed independently.

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Biodiversity:

Diversity forms the foundation of a resilient ecosystem. We therefore work with various plant groups and functions that reinforce one another.

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Local Empowerment:

Wherever possible, we source plants and seeds locally from farmers, nurseries, and producers. This ensures that part of the investment remains within the local economy.

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Give and Pass On:

We have developed a proven system in which recipients are encouraged to pass on knowledge, seeds, and plants to others, thereby strengthening communities and sparking new community initiatives.

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Transparency:

We aim to handle the resources entrusted to us with care and provide full insight into our activities and resource allocation.

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6. The Heavenly Garden Model

A Heavenly Garden is a biodiverse, edible garden combining various plants and functions.

The model consists of nine plant groups:

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1. Flowers

2. Vegetables

3. Herbs

4. Fruit trees

5. Berries

6. Aquatic plants

7. Food forest

8. Grasses

9. Grains / Tubers

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This combination is inspired by the principles of permaculture and ecological gardening.

By bringing together different plants and functions, we aim to contribute to biodiversity, soil life, pollinators, food production, and environmental resilience.

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The exact composition of a garden is tailored to local conditions, climate, available space, and accessible plant material.

 
7. The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the foundation works on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and providing inspiration.

We organize, among other things:

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• Lectures;

• Courses;

• Workshops;

• Activities surrounding food and nature;

• Demonstration gardens

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Through these efforts, we aim to let people experience how nature, food production, biodiversity, and personal engagement with the environment can be interconnected.

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The experiences and knowledge gained from the Netherlands and Malawi can mutually reinforce one another.

8. Malawi: Our First International Testing Ground

Since 2023, Malawi has served as the first international implementation location of the Heavenly Garden model.

The foundation aims to contribute to a greener, more biodiverse, and food-rich Malawi by supporting local communities and schools in developing edible nature.

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Following two previously executed, self-funded pilot projects, the program is being expanded for the 2026–2027 policy period.

We focus on communities, schools, knowledge transfer, biodiversity, food production, and making plants and seeds locally available and propagated.

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We work by invitation alongside local organizations and initiatives that are already active in permaculture, food supply, education, and community development.

9. The Heavenly Garden Crates

A key component of the Malawi program is the Heavenly Garden Crate.

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A crate contains seeds and plants from the different plant groups of the Heavenly Garden model. The average value of a crate is €30.

Wherever possible, plants and seeds are purchased locally.

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A crate is provided to individuals who have completed a relevant permaculture training. It is intended as a practical starting point to build a Heavenly Garden at home or another suitable location.

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Participants learn, among other things, how to:

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• Care for plants;

• Propagate plants;

• Harvest seeds;

• Store seeds;

• Expand their garden;

• Share plant material and knowledge with others.

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The crate is therefore not an endpoint, but a launching pad for further growth.

10. The 2026–2027 Program

The intensive implementation period in Malawi runs from November 2026 through 2027.

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The main activities include:

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• Distributing Heavenly Garden Crates;

• Conducting trainings and workshops;

• Establishing demonstration gardens;

• Supporting school gardens;

• Supporting community gardens;

• Training local trainers;

• Supporting local nurseries;

• Developing local seed banks;

• Plant propagation and seed harvesting;

• Monitoring and evaluation.

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For this policy period, the goal is to make 500 Heavenly Garden Crates available.

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11. Giving, Receiving, and Passing On

The Malawi program operates on a circular principle:

Learn → Grow → Harvest → Propagate → Pass On

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Every participant:

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• Receives knowledge, plants, and seeds;

• Establishes a Heavenly Garden;

• Donates seeds to local seed banks after harvest;

• Propagates plants for others;

• Transfers knowledge to new participants;

• Receives additional specialized plants and knowledge.

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This creates a network of:

Seeds → Plants → Gardens → Food → Knowledge → New Gardens

This yields a self-reinforcing system of food production, knowledge sharing, and biodiversity. Through this method, the foundation aims to contribute to lasting local capacity.

12. Train-the-Trainer System

To rapidly spread knowledge within communities, we use a train-the-trainer framework.

Participants are encouraged to guide at least nine other people in creating a Heavenly Garden.

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When participants successfully apply the core principles of permaculture, both the trainer and the participants receive supplementary support. This support may include, for instance:

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• Extra plant material;

• Special fruit or food forest species;

• Water harvesting assistance;

• Support for water projects;

• Additional training modules.

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The goal is to enable individuals who have learned and experienced the method firsthand to assist others, while creating a scalable model that empowers communities to continue developing independently.

13. Training and Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer is an essential component of the program.

Workshops and trainings may cover topics such as:

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• Permaculture;

• Biodiversity;

• Soil health;

• Sustainable food production;

• Design and maintenance of biodiverse gardens;

• Plant propagation;

• Taking cuttings;

• Seed harvesting and saving;

• Tree planting and maintenance;

• Water management;

• Ecological management of the environment.

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By combining knowledge with hands-on experience and plant materials, participants are empowered to continue independently.

14. Demonstration Gardens and Living Classrooms

Demonstration gardens show in practice what is possible.

The foundation aims to develop demonstration gardens at schools and within communities. These gardens function as:

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• Demonstration sites for the Heavenly Garden model;

• Educational environments for children and adults;

• Venues for training sessions;

• Sources of plants and seeds;

• Hubs for knowledge sharing;

• Models for other schools and communities.

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One of the planned projects is a demonstration garden at St. Monica School in Blantyre.

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In addition, work is underway to establish a larger demonstration garden and living classroom in the Dowa District, where children, families, and communities can learn how to create a biodiverse, edible garden themselves.

15. Local Collaboration

The foundation collaborates with local organizations and initiatives that possess local knowledge, experience, and community networks.

Current partners and initiatives include:

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• Opulence Malawi;

• Green Malata;

• Permaculture Outreach;

• Scope Malawi;

• Tanzi la Bwino;

• Permaculture Paradise;

• Darwin Project;

• Smaller local projects and initiatives.

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The partners' roles may involve organizing training sessions, selecting and mentoring participants, supporting local projects, and assisting with the distribution of plants and seeds.

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The foundation strives to operate primarily through local ownership.

16. Target Groups

The main target groups in Malawi are:

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• Local communities;

• Families within these communities;

• Children and youth;

• Schools;

• Local farmers;

• Local trainers;

• Community leaders.

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Special focus is given to individuals and communities with limited access to knowledge, plant material, and opportunities to develop sustainable food production and biodiversity on their own.

17. Selection of Participants

Participant selection takes place in cooperation with local partners.

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As a baseline rule, anyone receiving a Heavenly Garden Crate must first complete a relevant permaculture training.

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This ensures that knowledge is linked to the available material, increasing the likelihood that seeds and plants will actually be used and propagated sustainably.

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Local partners evaluate which participants and locations best align with the program's objectives and local conditions.

18. Objectives for 2026–2027

During this policy period, we aim to:​

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• Distribute 500 Heavenly Garden Crates;

• Support demonstration gardens at schools and within communities;

• Train local trainers;

• Strengthen local nurseries;

• Support and develop local seed banks;

• Expand knowledge of permaculture and biodiversity;

• Increase the availability of food crops and plant materials;

• Facilitate local propagation of plants and seeds;

• Enhance biodiversity and soil health;

• Increase self-reliance within participating communities.

19. Revenue and Income

To achieve our objectives, the foundation raises funds through:

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• Private individual donations;

• Periodic gifts;

• Corporate and organizational sponsorships;

• Grants and foundation funding;

• Subsidies;

• Crowdfunding and fundraising events;

• Contributions from civic and religious organizations;

• Bequests and legacies;

• Other legally permitted gifts and contributions.

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We strive for long-term relationships with donors and sponsors built on trust, transparency, and visible impact.

Where possible, we provide feedback on project progress and results.

20. Financial Policy

The foundation handles the assets entrusted to it with care and transparency.

For the 2026–2027 policy period, the following project budget has been established:

Component
Budgeted
500 Heavenly Garden Crates

€15.000
Transport, Storage, and Distribution

€5.000
Local Coordination

€4.000
Demonstration Gardens and Nurseries

€3.000
Training and Project Management

€2.000

Monitoring and Evaluation

€1.000
Total Project Budget

€30.000

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This budget is an estimate. Actual expenses may vary due to local pricing, material availability, incoming revenue, and project development.

Funds are spent exclusively on activities that fit within the statutory purpose of the foundation.

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Specifically earmarked gifts are tracked separately in the accounts and used strictly according to the agreed designation, provided that designation aligns with the foundation's objectives.

21. Asset Management

The foundation's assets are used exclusively to fulfill its statutory and public benefit objectives.

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The foundation maintains its available funds in a bank account held in the foundation's name.

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The foundation does not invest its funds in high-risk financial products that do not align with its social purpose.

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No more assets are held than are reasonably necessary for the execution and continuity of operations. A reasonable reserve may be maintained for future activities, existing obligations, and operational continuity.

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Any financial surplus will not be distributed to board members or other stakeholders, but will be reinvested into the foundation's goals.

22. Board and Organization

The Board is responsible for policy, financial management, strategic direction, and oversight of execution.

Board of Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation:

Chair
Violet Nadine Lobke Oosterwijk

Secretary
Joan Karen Mulder

Treasurer
Vera Janssen

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The board acts in the interest of the foundation and its public benefit objectives.

To execute its activities, the foundation may engage employees, project managers, trainers, experts, project coordinators, and volunteers.

23. Remuneration Policy

Board members receive no remuneration for their work as directors.

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They are only eligible for reimbursement of actual, demonstrable out-of-pocket expenses, provided these are reasonable and fit within the foundation's goals.

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For specific operational/execution tasks, the foundation may hire individuals and pay appropriate compensation. This may apply to project management, training, project coordination, monitoring, or expert support.

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When an individual serves as both a board member and an operational worker, board duties and distinct operational tasks are clearly separated. Any remuneration pertains strictly to actual operational work performed and not to board duties.

Volunteers may receive reimbursement for actual costs incurred within legal frameworks.

24. Good Governance and Integrity

The foundation values operating with diligence and integrity.

The board is responsible for transparent and accountable resource allocation.

In international partnerships, we focus on:

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• Reliability of partner organizations;

• Financial transparency;

• Local involvement;

• Respect for local culture and knowledge;

• Responsible resource management;

• Safety of participants and stakeholders;

• Sustainable and, where possible, measurable results.

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The foundation maintains zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, discrimination, harassment, abuse of power, or exploitation.

25. Monitoring and Evaluation

We aim not only to carry out activities, but also to learn from what we do.

Therefore, where possible, we track metrics such as:

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• Number of crates distributed;

• Number of families and participants reached;

• Number of gardens created;

• Number of communities reached;

• Number of training sessions and workshops;

• Number of trainers trained;

• Number of new participants;

• Number of demonstration gardens;

• Number of schools involved;

• Number of trees and plants planted;

• Volume of propagated plant material;

• Quantity of harvested and redistributed seeds;

• Participant experiences and personal stories;

• Measurable developments in biodiversity and food production.

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Following project completion, results and key takeaways are evaluated. This information is used in the ongoing refinement of the Heavenly Garden model.

 
26. Administration and Accountability

The foundation maintains clear financial records reflecting all incoming revenue, outgoing expenses, and asset growth.

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An annual financial overview is drawn up alongside a report on activities and outcomes.

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The foundation publishes all data required under public benefit (ANBI) regulations on its website.

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Where possible, donors and sponsors are kept informed regarding project progress and results.

27. Management and Expenditure of Assets

The foundation's assets are deployed exclusively toward achieving its statutory public benefit objectives.

Crate donations are spent 100% on:

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• Procurement and distribution of seeds, plants, and trees.

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Other available funds are allocated toward:​

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• Establishing demonstration gardens;

• Assembly and distribution of Heavenly Garden Crates;

• Workshops and training;

• Supporting school and community projects;

• Local project coordination;

• Transport and logistics;

• Monitoring and evaluation;

• Necessary communication and operational costs.

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The foundation's funds are held in the bank account of Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation at bunq, IBAN: NL15 BUNQ 2172 6536 16.

The foundation does not invest available funds in risky financial products.

The foundation holds no more capital than reasonably required for operating continuity. Maintaining a reasonable reserve for future activities and operational stability is permitted.

28. Public Benefit (ANBI)

The activities of Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation are aimed at serving the general public interest.

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The foundation dedicates itself to causes that benefit society as a whole, including environmental restoration, biodiversity, sustainable food production, education, knowledge sharing, self-reliance, and community strengthening.

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The foundation strives to ensure that at least 90% of its activities and expenses directly serve the public benefit.

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The foundation operates as a non-profit. Any financial surpluses are reinvested to fulfill its core goals.

29. Future Outlook

Malawi serves as the first international testing ground for the Heavenly Garden model.

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In the coming years, we intend to explore how this approach can be refined and scaled. Rather than prioritizing rapid expansion, our focus is on building a model that works locally, is embraced and driven by local people, and can continuously reinforce itself.

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If the approach in Malawi proves successful, we will explore applying the model in other countries facing needs in food security, biodiversity, education, and community development.

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Ultimately, our ambition goes beyond planting individual gardens. We aim to contribute to a movement where knowledge, seeds, and plants continue to spread, empowering more and more people to build a healthy, biodiverse, and edible environment for themselves.

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From one garden to many gardens.

From one seed to a flourishing land.

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30. Asset Allocation Upon Liquidation

Upon dissolution of the foundation, any remaining positive balance will be allocated in accordance with statutory provisions and applicable legal conditions for public benefit organizations (ANBI status).

Any positive liquidation balance will accrue exclusively to a designated public benefit institution (ANBI) or, where permitted by law, a foreign institution serving the public benefit by at least 90%.

 
31. Governance and Management Standard

Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation places great emphasis on transparency, integrity, and accountable governance.

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The Board holds ultimate responsibility for policy, finances, and strategic development. Day-to-day operations are delegated to a project manager who reports to the board.

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The foundation operates strictly in accordance with its statutory objectives, deploying resources solely in service of its social mission.

In executing international projects, the foundation strives for:

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• transparante besluitvorming;

• verantwoord financieel beheer;

• samenwerking met betrouwbare lokale partners;

• respect voor lokale gemeenschappen en culturen;

• duurzame en meetbare impact;

• verantwoord omgaan met mens, dier en milieu.

32. Integrity and Safety

In partnerships with local organizations, explicit attention is given to integrity, transparency, and responsible resource utilization.

33. Closing

Stichting Heavenly Garden Foundation believes in the power of a single seed.

A seed can grow into a plant.

A plant can become food.

A tree can feed generations.

And knowledge multiplies when people pass it on.

That is why we aim to spread seeds, plants, knowledge, and opportunities that help people continue growing independently.

From person to person.

From garden to garden.

From community to community.

From one seed to a flourishing land.

Heavenly Garden Foundation

Planting seeds, growing miracles