Week in pictures
Kayleigh Boerjan (b. 1988) studied Culture, Organisation & Management at VU Amsterdam and International Development Studies at the University of Amsterdam. She works as a philanthropy specialist at ABN AMRO MeesPierson. Kayleigh greatly enjoys supporting clients who would like to use their assets for the benefit of society. Every week is different, but always filled with inspiring conversations and encounters in which Kayleigh guides (future) philanthropists in realising their giving ambitions.
Mon Team meeting
The week starts with a team meeting. We discuss client cases, share successes and make plans. In the afternoon, I have an appointment with a client who wants to donate to charity together as a family. We sit at the kitchen table and discuss themes that matter to them. In the end, they decide to support charities focusing on healthcare and arts and culture.
Tue Meeting for charities
Several times a year we organise a meeting for charities. We talk about our work, discuss the latest trends and insights from the philanthropy sector and give tips on securing major gifts. During these meetings, the charities introduce themselves and tell us about the work they do. These gatherings are always really enjoyable and inspiring, with a wide variety of charities, ranging from very local to global, and from animal welfare organisations to development cooperation.
Wed Meeting philanthropic fund
After work, I have a meeting of the philanthropic fund where I am a board member. This fund donates to charities in healthcare and development cooperation. We evaluate the organisations we have supported in the past year and are impressed by the results. It is wonderful to see what a donation can mean. We support, among other things, a health centre in Sierra Leone, where maternal and child health is central, and an organisation in Uganda that makes education for children with disabilities possible.
Thu Client meeting equal opportunities
Today I have a client meeting on the theme of equal opportunities, a theme that is becoming increasingly important. Especially since the COVID-19 crisis, the differences between rich and poor have become clearer. Clients have been moved by reports of children who go to school without breakfast or who cannot take part in sports. I explain the various ways they can support charities and how philanthropy can contribute to promoting equal opportunities.
Fri Sessions
Together with a colleague, this year we organised masterclasses on Philanthropy & Development Cooperation. Many clients have questions about the impact of development cooperation and how their donation is spent. That is why we organise sessions on themes such as healthcare and human rights. The sessions are very informative, and we hope they help bridge the gap between our clients and charities that are active in non-Western countries.
Sat Meeting Yugen Foundation
Today, there is a meeting of the Yugen Foundation, a giving circle for climate & biodiversity. Every year, we bundle our donations and give to a charity working on this theme. We have previously donated to Future for Nature, Just Diggit and The Good Food Institute. It is great to be philanthropically active myself as well. With the Yugen Foundation, we not only donate together, but we also learn about climate and biodiversity and gain insight into the impact of our donation.
Sun Walk in the woods
On Sunday, I take a lovely walk in the woods. Autumn is my favourite season. I never get tired of the soft light, the unusual mushrooms and the beautiful colours of the trees and leaves.
Sun Vegetable garden
At the end of the day, I go to the vegetable garden that I started this year. It was not yet a huge success: the harvest was meagre, and many plants failed early. The drought in spring and summer did not help either. But I really enjoyed growing my own seeds, digging in the soil and watering everything. Next year, a new attempt!
magazine for social sciences and humanities alumni december 2025