For countless organizations in the Netherlands working in remembrance and commemoration, this is an urgent—and sometimes difficult—question. How do we make the value of our work visible? And how do we ensure that our activities truly contribute to a just, inclusive, and peaceful society?
That’s why, together with a coalition of organizations from the remembrance field, we developed Remembering for Tomorrow—a do-it-yourself impact program that supports remembrance organizations in building a sustainable impact mindset. Not with abstract models or complex theories, but with tangible tools, practical steps, and space for reflection.
In recent years, the importance of impact thinking has become more visible within the remembrance and commemoration sector. Organizations such as the National Children’s Remembrance, the Indisch Remembrance Centre, and the War Graves Foundation asked themselves: how do we stay relevant—especially for new generations—in a time when commemorating war victims has become more complex and often brings tension?
Commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and supported by a broad coalition, we listened. To concerns, but also to ambitions. To the desire not only to inspire, but also to offer clear paths forward. Many organizations are small, work with volunteers, and operate in a sensitive field. Within that context, impact can feel like a difficult topic. And yet the core question remains: do our activities truly contribute to our mission?
We wanted to offer an approach that builds trust and provides practical support.
Conversations with organizations revealed a clear thread: a need for an approach that respects the diversity of the sector and makes impact conversations more human. Not an external measuring stick, but meaningful reflection from within.
We also heard frustration: existing impact tools are often too abstract, too academic, or not usable for small teams. At the same time, the willingness to learn is strong—if it feels simple, familiar, and safe to begin.
That became our guiding principle: start small, keep it tangible, and invite dialogue. That’s how Remembering for Tomorrow came to life.
toekomstvolverleden.nl offers a practical five-step plan that helps organizations independently explore and strengthen their impact. The program includes both physical and digital materials, such as:
The process begins with an introductory exploration: what is impact, and why measure it? Then follows individual reflection and a team session to define the organization’s impact ambition. These insights are applied to a concrete activity, followed by collecting data, evaluating results, and translating them into strategy and communication.
The result? A practical, tailor-made approach that can be used right away—no external consultants or large budgets needed.
Since its official launch in April, fifteen organizations have already joined. With fifty toolkits developed and a growing online platform, the program is designed for broad application. Not just another report collecting dust—but a living tool that’s truly being used—today and in the future.
Remembrance requires care, time, and attention—especially in today’s complex context. With Remembering for Tomorrow, we aim to help organizations embed that care into their everyday work. So they can continue, with clarity and confidence, to do what matters: give meaning to the stories of the past in today’s world, and pass them on to the future.
This May 4 and 5, we encourage organizations not just to commemorate, but also to reflect: are we making the impact we want to make? And what does that ask of us in the next 80 years?
Want to learn more or get started right away?
Visit toekomstvolverleden.nl and discover how your organization can begin with impact thinking—in a way that fits you.
Read more about the project here.
