Elbia Tours Puerto Plata
Many tourists find their way to the foundation through Elbia Tours. They bring school supplies or sponsor a school uniform.
About Domino Foundation
A small-scale, personal foundation that supports children and families in the Dominican Republic. Founded by people who have known the country for decades.
How it started
Domino Foundation Dominican Republic (DFDR) was established on March 29, 2021. Founders Bianca Storms and Jan Riphagen had already been active in the Dominican Republic for several years with aid activities — from school uniforms and Christmas parties to food packages after hurricanes and during the coronavirus period.
At the end of 2020, the idea arose to join forces and establish a foundation. This allows us to provide more structural help and makes donations tax-deductible.
Our mission
Providing assistance to those in need in the Dominican Republic, with a particular focus on improving the future of children by giving them access to primary education.
Our vision
We try to make a real difference on a small scale in the future of a child. We give underprivileged children access to primary education and then aim to further guide them towards vocational training, so that they can later provide for themselves and their families.
Our goal
The Domino Foundation primarily provides development aid to people in need — especially underprivileged children — in the Dominican Republic. In addition, we are committed to promoting animal welfare and sustainability in nature and the environment.
Our approach
The financial resources come from gifts and donations and are used exclusively for the foundation’s projects. The board does not receive any remuneration for its activities.
We do not give cash. We personally purchase items together with the people we help — such as the school uniforms that we select every August with each child and a parent or guardian. This way, donors can be sure that their contribution is well spent.
The board
Bianca Storms
Chairperson
Bianca has been visiting the Dominican Republic since 1994. She noticed the big difference between the tourist resorts and the daily life of the local population and started helping on a small scale: raising money for school uniforms, organizing a Christmas party after three hurricanes, and providing food packages during the corona period, together with the Rotary Club Puerto Plata. Bianca regularly stays in Puerto Plata and personally buys the school uniforms there together with each child.
Community Management & Social Media
Jan Riphagen
Treasurer
Since 1993, Jan has visited the Dominican Republic several times a year, mainly in the agricultural area of San Juan de la Maguana. He never gave money, but bought cows and goats for families: the first offspring was for the family, the second went to a new family. He also arranged practical training with a blacksmith and a furniture maker for young people without prospects. Together with Bianca, he founded the foundation.
Kim Plooij
Secretary
Kim has been visiting the Dominican Republic since 2012 and lost her heart to the island and its people. On every trip, she brought supplies for the local population: toiletries, pencils, notebooks, and clothing. After Hurricane Fiona in 2022, she started a support campaign for food, building materials, and school supplies. In May 2023, she joined the board.
Local Representation & Volunteers
Elvin Ramirez
Operational Manager
Puerto Plata
Elvin was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and lives and works in Puerto Plata. He studied law and now works in tourism as a guide, driver, and excursion seller. He is our main contact in Puerto Plata and plays an important role within the Domino Foundation. He coordinates the donations that tourists bring and helps with the preparations of the projects.
This is how Elvin uses his knowledge and time to make a difference for the children in his own country.
Daniel de Nocker
Operational Manager
Cedepane
In 2014, his work brought him to the Dominican Republic, where he met Simona. His love for her and the country grew. He sold his company in Belgium and started a new life in San Pedro.
When he heard about the Domino Foundation, he wanted to help.
An impressive story from Simona’s grandchildren about a local shelter made the difference.
Thus, his new home also became a place to mean something beautiful for others.
Rancho ruta del KKO
Corine Wolthers
Coordinator donations NL
She lived and worked in the Dominican Republic for almost five years. A country to which she has many cherished memories, but where she also saw how difficult life can sometimes be for families with children.
Those experiences never left her. Her love for the country and its people has only grown stronger over the years. Even now, she continues to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to the children of the island.
In the hope that they, with a solid foundation, will have the chance for a brighter future.
Partners and sponsors
Dogs & Cats Dominican Republic
Shelter, care, and adoption of stray dogs and cats. We work together in animal welfare.
Dove Youth Development
Partner in youth development.
Round trips Santa Domingo
The travel agency of treasurer Jan Riphagen, which connects tourists with the Dominican Republic.
Action for Action
Collaboration for aid projects in the Dominican Republic.
Bianca Storms
The company of chairwoman Bianca Storms, online community and social media manager.
Kimfinity
The company of board member Kim Plooij, virtual assistant.
Rancho Route del KKOSunny Sand Travel
An authentic eco-cocoa plantation and starting point of the off-road monster Buggy Tour by Daniel DeNocker.
Tienda Jimenez Puerto Plata
The store in Puerto Plata where we buy school uniforms and school supplies together with the children every year.
Rotary Club Puerto Plata
Together with the Rotary Club, we distributed over 1,000 basic food packages during the coronavirus period.
Lions Club Heerlen Coriovallum
Progressive volunteer organization that holds the slogan ‘We serve’ in high regard.
Transparent and recognized as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI)
Domino Foundation has been designated as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI) by the Dutch Tax Authorities. Your donation is tax-deductible, and in our annual reports you can see exactly how every euro is spent.
View our ANBI information
Are you making a difference in a child's life?
For €105, a child receives a complete school uniform, sportswear, and all school supplies for an entire school year. A smaller amount is also very welcome.
