Frequently asked questions
We have gathered our most frequently asked questions here. So, if you are looking for more information about our financial management, the most commonly used abbreviations, certifications and practical information about Simavi, you will find it here:
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If you didn’t find what you were looking for, you can view the contact and support options or reach us on +31 (0) 88 313 1500 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 till 12:00, or mail to info@simavi.nl. We are happy to help you!
About Simavi Foundation
Where does Simavi work?
Simavi works to improve the daily lives of women and girls in African and Asian countries. Our most important programmes take place in:
Africa
- Kenya
- Uganda
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Indonesia
How did Simavi originate?
Simavi was founded in 1925 by two Dutch doctors: J. van der Spek and H. Bervoets. Their goal was to provide medical missionary staff located in the Dutch East Indies with medicines, instruments and equipment.
What is Simavi's approach?
Simavi works with partners in Africa and Asia on programmes that support local solutions so women and girls can enjoy their human rights to water, a toilet and equal treatment.
Our work is women-centred, rights-based and builds lasting change. Simavi never operates on its own but always works together with others. Because only together do we achieve real solutions and a climate-just world.
In all countries where Simavi is active, we work in partnership with organisations that have close ties with the women and girls we work for. We are committed to system change and at the same time believe in local solutions to tackle the water crisis.
We put power and resources in the hands of women and girls to tackle water and climate problems. And we hold governments and companies to account.
Does Simavi's approach work?
Our goal is lasting change in the lives of girls and women. The only way to ensure that is to invest in water and climate justice and system change. We accomplish that by
Influencing policy and practice:
- Engaging as many people as possible through our public campaigns
- Pressuring politicians to give more priority to water, women and climate
- Lobbying internationally for more and better climate and water financing
- Influencing governments to improve their water and climate policies
Implementing our programmes: - Working together with and shifting power to our partners
- Supporting women's groups to realise their own water and climate solutions
- Encourage female leadership and entrepreneurship in the water sector
- Influence local governments and businesses to improve their water services delivery
Strengthening our impact: - Measuring our impact
- Feeding learning into new programmes
- Researching our areas of expertise
- Sharing best practices
Does Simavi work with other organisations?
Yes, we work on a healthy future for women and girls in Africa and Asia together with our partners in those countries as they know the situation there like no other - and the women and girls themselves. We also work with our (inter)national partners: companies, governments and agencies, funds and schools.
Practical information
Which certifications and quality marks does Simavi have?
Simavi has the following quality marks and certifications:
- CBF quality mark: Simavi is a Recognised Charity, so we meet the strict quality requirements of the CBF, (the Netherlands Fundraising Regulator) an independent foundation that monitors fundraising by charities.
- ANBI status: a Public Benefit Institution, which means we serve a 90% or more general interest. Our sister foundations ZIEN and NFICH are also classified as ANBI.
- ISO certification: is a certificate indicating that a company ensures a quality management system.
How does Simavi process my data?
From the moment we save your data, we are data "processors". Simavi is therefore responsible for processing your personal data and we believe that careful handling of this data is very important. Read more about this in our privacy statement.
Where can I find Simavi's annual reports?
The most recent annual report can be found here. The annual report is published in May.
How does Simavi get income?
Simavi receives money through various channels. We have our own fundraising profits, profits from campaigns by private individuals and companies and Simavi receives subsidies from governments.
What are the employees' salaries based on?
Simavi has a formalised salary scheme. The positions of the employees are divided into job groups based on job responsibility. These job groups are linked to salary scales. The job groups were established by means of an objective measurement method by an independent agency (Human Capital Group). Research has shown that the salary levels of our employees are around average for the sector and are in line with the market.
What does the director of Simavi earn?
In 2024 the annual salary of Simavi’s director is € 101.097 per year (gross salary, incl. holiday allowance).
Donating to Simavi
How can I support Simavi?
You can support in various ways: by donating of course, but you can also make a difference by volunteering, as a partner, or by signing up for one of our campaigns. See what you can do at simavi.nl/en/what-you-can-do.
Does my donation get to the right place?
We strive to spend at least 85% from every euro we get directly on the work we do for women and girls. The rest goes to marketing & fundraising and general organisational costs. Our finances are public and can be viewed in our annual report.
Can I adjust my donation?
Yes, you can adjust, stop or amend the frequency of your donation. View the contact and support options.
How does donating with a tax benefit (periodic donation) work?
Your donation is tax-deductible if you record your donation to Simavi for at least five years in a periodic donation agreement. Part of your donation will be returned by the tax authorities. You can arrange this via a form, online or by post.
Can I put Simavi in my will and does Simavi offer help with this?
It is possible to donate (part of) your estate to Simavi. We offer you personal advice and are happy to help you. Check the options.
Simavi becomes WaterAid Netherlands: what does this mean for me as a donor?
Simavi will become part of WaterAid, a global organization promoting clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene for all. Our organization will remain the same, but our name will change to WaterAid Netherlands effective March 22, 2026.
For Simavi, this is a fantastic step that allows us—with the help of our supporters—to support even more women and girls. But what exactly does this mean for you? Read the answers to frequently asked questions below.
Why is Simavi changing its name?
Simavi has been around for 100 years. This means we have a wealth of experience in projects focused on health, water, sanitation, and equal opportunities for women and girls.
At the same time, we see the global water crisis worsening year after year due to climate change. Women and girls in Africa and Asia are feeling this the hardest. As a development organization, Simavi fights alongside these women for the right to water. But this crisis is too big for one organization alone.
Changing our name after 100 years is a significant undertaking. But we are convinced that as WaterAid Netherlands, together with our other WaterAid members, we can make a greater impact with the contributions of our donors.
What is WaterAid?
WaterAid is a global organization working towards one clear goal: a world in which everyone has access to clean drinking water, decent toilets, and good hygiene. Founded in 1981 in the United Kingdom, WaterAid operates in 22 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
WaterAid is a federation that includes WaterAid UK, WaterAid India, WaterAid Australia, WaterAid Sweden, WaterAid Japan, WaterAid Canada, and WaterAid USA. Simavi will soon join them as WaterAid Netherlands. All these members share the same mission, values, and working methods. This way, together we can make a greater impact.
In which countries does WaterAid operate?
WaterAid operates in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, from Nepal to Nigeria, and from Colombia to Cambodia. There, WaterAid—like Simavi—works with local partners, governments, and communities on sustainable, local solutions. In every country, the goal is the same: to make clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene available to everyone.
What will change for me as a donor?
For our donors, nothing will change. We will remain an independent Dutch organization with the same goal: ending the global water, toilet, and hygiene crisis – together, for everyone, everywhere.
- Name: You will see our communications gradually transition to the name WaterAid Netherlands, with a new logo and visual style.
- Impact: Your donation will continue to contribute to our current projects and, in the future, to new projects in even more countries. In short, the name change will not affect how your contribution is spent.
- Contact: You will receive updates through the same channels as before (email, post, etc.), but under the new name WaterAid Netherlands.
- Address: Our address remains Naritaweg 135, 1043 BS Amsterdam.
- Financial details: Our bank account will remain the same, except for the name change: IBAN: NL37 ABNA 0561 2351 04. If you already support us monthly, you do not need to do anything. Tip: After March 22, change the name in your banking app's address book.
What happens to my data?
Your personal data is stored securely and processed in accordance with applicable privacy laws. The transition to WaterAid Netherlands will not change our careful handling of your data.
Will this partnership affect my tax benefits (ANBI status)?
No, WaterAid Netherlands will retain its ANBI status, meaning your donations remain tax-deductible.
Will the name change compromise Simavi's Dutch identity?
No, WaterAid Netherlands retains a strong Dutch identity. Our local approach, such as involving Dutch donors and partners, remains a key part of our work. At the same time, we benefit from WaterAid's international expertise and scale.
How can I help you?
- Continue donating: Your support is more important than ever to realize our projects.
- Share our story: Tell others about our mission and why partnering with WaterAid is important.
- Ask questions: We'd love to hear your feedback and concerns so we can incorporate them into our approach.
What if I have questions or concerns about this change?
Do you have any questions that aren't answered here? Please feel free to contact us. We greatly appreciate your involvement and support during this important step in our history.
We understand that a name change can raise questions. Therefore, we invite you to share your concerns with us. We'd love to discuss how we can maintain your trust. You can always contact us via:
- Email: info@simavi.nl
- Phone: +31 (0)88 313 1500
- Website: www.simavi.org
Together, we're building a future with clean water and a toilet for everyone.
If your question is not listed, contact our support team. We are happy to help you.
