Support costs children

Children cost money and sometimes it can be difficult to pay for everything the children need. It may be that you have problems paying the costs of your children's school or that you do not have money for the membership of the sports club or another club your child would like to attend. You can then appeal to the Foundation Leergeld Best, Oirschot, Son en Breugel.

The Foundation Leergeld is an independent foundation and has been active for over 10 years in Best, Oirschot and Son en Breugel. The Foundation wants to give all children the opportunity to participate. By giving a financial support a social isolation is prevented. The Foundation provides support in the costs of education, sports and cultural / social activities of minor children from families with low disposable income.

The income of parents seeking financial support for their child/children must not exceed 120% of the assistance level. In a personal meeting at your home, someone from the Stichting Leergeld will discuss your personal situation and the needs of your child/children. Stichting Leergeld uses its own criteria when assessing your situation. Each application is assessed individually.

The Leergeld Foundation provides financial support for the following expenses, among others:

  • Education: materials for school, laptop/tablet, bicycle.
  • Sports: sports club dues, sportswear, swimming lessons.
  • Cultural/social activities: Scouting group dues, Children's Vacation Week.

This enumeration is not exhaustive. Costs not listed here may also be eligible for reimbursement. Stichting Leergeld provides support in kind, not in money. You do not get money for e.g. membership of an association. The Stichting Leergeld pays this directly for you.

For further information, please contact the Leergeld Foundation: tel. (06) 27 65 03 02, e-mail: contact.leergeld@gmail.com.

Youth Fund for Sports and Culture 

Would your child like to learn to play a musical instrument? Until August 1, 2026, the municipality contributed toward the costs for every student. The city council has decided to discontinue this broad, general subsidy and to cut the budget in half. The municipality’s guiding principle is that residents are responsible for their own expenses: from now on, anyone who can afford music lessons on their own will be responsible for the full cost.

From now on, any remaining municipal funds will be specifically allocated to low-income families. The municipality will no longer administer the program itself; starting with the 2026–2027 school year, this support will be fully managed by the Brabant Youth Fund for Sports & Culture.

What does this mean for your situation?

  • You can pay for music lessons yourself: the general municipal subsidy has been discontinued. Starting in the new academic year, you will pay the full tuition fee directly to your music provider.
  • If you have a low disposable income:
    Does your family rely on public assistance, are you enrolled in a debt counseling or debt restructuring program, or do you have a verifiable minimum income? If so, music lessons are still within your reach. The Youth Fund can fully reimburse the tuition for an entire academic year.

Key Rules of the Game 

  • Target group for the “
    ” fund: This benefit is specifically intended for families living on a low disposable income. There are no partial benefits or allowances for families who do not fall into this category.
  • Effective Date
    The program administered by the Youth Fund will take effect starting with the 2026–2027 academic year (beginning September 1, 2026).
  • For music lessons only
    This policy applies exclusively to tuition fees for music lessons (i.e., not other art forms such as dance or theater).
  • Who is eligible for
    Children ages 0 to 18 who live in the municipality of Son en Breugel.
  • Accredited provider
    Music schools or independent instructors must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
  • Applications through Meerkracht
    You cannot submit the application yourself. It must be submitted through an independent intermediary. Starting August 24, 2026, the Meerkracht team will be ready to assist you.
  • Prior Approval
    If a child has already started classes before approval is received, the fund will not process the application. You are personally responsible for any financial obligations you have already incurred. An exception applies to continuing classes/re-enrollment for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Want to learn more about your situation? 

If your financial situation meets the Requirements of this music program, you can contact one of the Meerkrachten in Son en Breugel or our poverty coordinator starting August 24, 2026:

Follow-up Classes and Re-enrollment for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

  • Basic Rule
    Do not enroll your child in a music school or with a music teacher until you have received official approval from the Jeugdfonds.

  • Re-enrollment Exception Did you need to re-enroll before the summer break to keep your spot? If so, please submit your application to Meerkracht no later than October 15.

  • 's Financial Risk You are doing this at your own financial risk. If the application does not meet the criteria upon review, you will have to pay the music provider yourself.

See the details and “ Requirements ” in the Rules and Regulations of the Brabant Youth Sports & Culture Fund.

National Fund for Children's Aid

We are affiliated with Nationaal Fonds Kinderhulp. Nationaal Fonds Kinderhulp is for the more than 300,000 children and young people up to 21 years of age who grow up in poverty in the Netherlands. They help with something big, or something small. With (warm) clothes or a bed of their own. With swimming lessons, a (second-hand) bicycle, a laptop for school or a present from Saint Nicholas. Things that seem very ordinary, but are anything but for children growing up in poverty.

Children's Aid is there when other agencies cannot help. Unconditional. It always goes through community organizations, such as a social worker, community district team, school, church or youth support worker. They come to the children's homes and see where help is desperately needed. Therefore, contact the appropriate agency.