Social Sustainability Fund (SSF)

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to stimulate social sustainability in international supply chains with the Social Sustainability Fund (SSF).

Social sustainability concerns the well-being of people and includes respect for human rights, fair labour practices, good living conditions, health, safety, diversity, equality, empowerment and community involvement.

The SSF aims to support companies and their local producers and suppliers in carrying out socially responsible business practices. Local producers can be different types of businesses, such as small textile mills, agricultural cooperatives or smallholder farmers.

The Social Sustainability Fund (SSF) supports companies active in the Netherlands that:

• want to improve social sustainability in their international value chains;
• work with local supplier(s) to prevent, reduce or stop negative social impacts; and
• take steps following the OECD Due Diligence Guidelines.

Note

As of 20 August 2024, the Social Sustainability Fund (SSF) has changed its name to Subsidy Programme Responsible Business (SPVO). The new name better reflects the purpose of the programme, which supports companies, their local suppliers and stakeholders to do business responsibly.

For more information: Subsidy Programme Responsible Business (on english.rvo.nl)