Growing up, I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the world. This passion sparked my journey into the world of fundraising. Inspired by supporting the well-being of humanity and the importance of understanding the world through art and culture, I pursued a career as a fundraiser, serving both the non-profit sector and the art sector. Currently, I am working with the Netherlands Red Cross, realising a lifelong ambition.

My Indonesian heritage has always intrigued me and inspired my desire to explore my roots further. It has to some extent shaped my academic interests, leading to my deep fascination with classical cultures, international politics, Islam, and feminism. My minor in international politics at Gadjah Mada University brought me to Indonesia in the first place, where I was introduced to ngo Tulodo.

It was at ngo Tulodo where I gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of a ngo and witnessed firsthand the impact of their projects on communities in need. I came to understand that if we truly want to make a difference in the world, projects need to happen, and funding is essential to making these projects a reality. It was this realisation that propelled me into fundraising, as I saw it as a powerful way to make a meaningful impact on the causes I care about deeply. 

Upon returning to Amsterdam, I embarked on a traineeship in fundraising at Van Dooren Advies and engaged in Social Entrepreneurship at Starters4communities. It was an enriching experience where I learned the intricacies of fundraising from the best. I joined Van Dooren Advies, with whom I worked on feasibility studies, strategic positioning, and fundraising for various projects in both the art as well as the non-profit sector. Notable achievements include securing funding for initiatives such as Ruigoord 50 jaar, UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk, Tergooi Medical Center, and Da Bounce Festival, among others. In my capacity as secretary at Stichting SAM, I cultivated a robust network within the Amsterdam art world and cultural sector, further enhancing my impact in the field.

My name is Aisya van der Vaart, an Amsterdam based fundraiser. I am open for fundraising consultations and eager to engage with initiatives that foster creativity, encourage cultural exchange, and drive social change.