Management Board
The Management Board takes care of the Foundation’s ongoing activities, like reviewing and granting funding requests, management of the Foundation’s resources and fundraising. In addition, the Board is responsible for the Foundation policy and for reporting on its work to the Supervisory Board.
Jos Koster – Chair (he/him)
“There are so many countries in the world where there is no naturalness of a normal happy life, where you can’t be yourself and where you can’t love someone without condemnation. So many countries where the LGBTI community is seen as pernicious and dangerous. I think it’s my moral duty to try to help change that. That’s why I signed up to do work for the PlanetRomeo Foundation.
Any improvement in the position of LGBTI people throughout the world, no matter how small, is important. We are all equal”
Jos is a freelance project manager and consultant of municipal housing- and infrastructure projects
Our secretary
“In today’s world I find it sometimes overwhelming to see that achievements and breakthroughs of the LGBTQI+ community are slowing down or are being reversed in some areas. Injustice and inequality for minority groups increase globally and many within the community all over the world suffer from that.
I want to help create a more equitable future for all – where love is love, acceptance and representation is real and individuals can thrive. That is why I joined the PlanetRomeo Foundation.
I am humbled being a part of an organization that backs community projects all over the world to drive equity and sustainable change.”
Femke van Casteren – IT & operations and vice chair (they/them)
“LGBTQ+ funders have a vital role to play in the fight for equal rights. Countless people across the world are helping their communities every day, and are therefore advancing LGBTQ+ rights across the world. PlanetRomeo Foundation has the incredible position to help these community leaders, role models, and volunteers, to realize their project and to hopefully provide a stepping stone to bigger grants and bigger dreams.
In September 2021 I joined the Executive Board of PlanetRomeo Foundation, because I wanted to combine my work experience as a board secretary at another non-profit fund, and my studies in Cultural Anthropology, Gender and Sexuality. It is absurd that our love and identities can spark hate and violence. I am thrilled to be making a small but real difference, thanks to the contribution of Romeo B.V. and the Romeo user- community.”
Femke is Board secretaris for Stichting DOEN.
Jouke van Buuren – Projects (he/him)
“Only those who are part of a (local) community themselves know best what they need to drive change. It is an honor to support these kinds of initiatives through PlanetRomeo Foundation.”
Jouke is a donation advisor at the VSBfonds.
Marlou Snelders (she/her)
“Over the past few years, I became more aware that my position as queer differs significantly from the experiences of many others around the world. That’s why I started searching for ways to make a meaningful contribution to LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale, eventually for a mission to make the world more equitable and accepting for all.
PlanetRomeo is in a position to amplify the hard work that is done by on-the-ground local organizations. By targeted funding, a direct impact can be made.
Therefore, as the treasurer of the PlanetRomeo Foundation, I am committed to facilitating the flow of financial resources to ensure that these resources are maximized and accessible to help people within the community. With my enthusiasm, personal values, and beliefs, such as transparency and connection, I hope to find collaboration and foster new partnerships with volunteers and staff members of the grassroots that go beyond financial contributions.
This perspective will help the foundation to better understand what ‘where it’s needed most’ entails, and, eventually, help us create a reinforcing movement.
I look forward to being part of a sustainable foundation as a driving force for positive change and tangible impact in the areas where it is needed most.”
Marlou is Strategic Partnerships & Program Manager Security & Privacy Awareness at Awareways
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board has final responsibility for the decisions and work of the Foundation and its Management Board. The Supervisory Board consists of four members.
Johan Bos – Chair (he/him)
“PlanetRomeo Foundation supports small, local LGBTI community projects worldwide. This is important for the improvement of people’s lives, especially where education can stimulate a future with more diversity for young people. I’m glad that I’m able to be a part of this cause.”
Johan is Financial Engineer at the Economic Department of the City of Amsterdam.
Dick de Graaff – Member (he/him)
“I like to contribute to a world where everyone feels respected, loved and safe. Without prejudice or discrimination in any form whatsoever.”
Dick is Managing Director of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.
Herman Bijkerk – Member (he/him)
“PlanetRomeo Foundation acknowledges brave individuals with great initiatives on the long road towards emancipation. Our task is to allocate funding where it is needed most.”
Herman represents ROMEO BV in the supervisory board of PlanetRomeo Foundation.
Peter – Member (he/him)
“While in Africa for MSF I recognized the dire need of individuals and groups in the LGHBTI community to ameliorate their lives and those of others. Working for Planet Romeo Foundation is a way to support those friends all over the world.”
Peter is director of Consultancy and Interim Management company and also is associate partner with Edelenbos and Boer & Croon. Next to that he is Consultant Artsen Zonder Grenzen (MSF or Doctors without Borders, language coach with the Refugee Association Netherlands and legal advisor for refugees.
Staff
The Staff takes care of the Foundation’s daily operations, and supports both the Management Board and Supervisory Board.