Hop on for social impact

The municipality of Amsterdam annually purchases goods and services for over 2 billion euros through tenders. This includes maintenance of historical bridges and quay walls in the city, landscaping, assistance, and transportation for vulnerable residents of Amsterdam, as well as the provision of furniture for municipal offices and language education for newcomers.
Amsterdam is a city where people care for each other and want to work together. However, it also faces significant societal challenges. That is why the municipality asks its contractors for a social contribution in addition to the product, service, or work they provide during major tenders. In other words, they are expected to do something good for the community alongside their work. This additional contribution is called "social return." Social return is one of the ways in which Amsterdam practices socially responsible contracting and procurement.
Examples of social return include creating employment opportunities, providing education, work experience placements, and internships for people who face barriers to employment. It also involves socially responsible procurement from one of the social enterprises in Amsterdam that provide employment and meaningful activities for vulnerable residents. In certain cases, social return can also involve contributing to community initiatives in various districts and neighborhoods of the city. This can include initiatives related to diversity, inclusion, and reducing inequality of opportunities. In summary, Amsterdam offers many possibilities for social return.