Partos is the Dutch membership body for organisations working in international development. Partos brings together a membership of over 100 Dutch development NGOs. In an atmosphere of mutual trust, Partos connects, strengthens, renews and represents its members with a view to effective development cooperation. Partos has become a distinctive and recognised player in the field of development cooperation.

The Spindle is the innovation platform for development cooperation and is powered by Partos. It enables organisations and individuals to innovate together and create a thriving community for social change. It connects innovators from Dutch and global -primarily Southern- development actors and supports them in transforming new ideas into innovative solutions. How? By building an off-and online community of innovators, identify emerging trends, challenges and opportunities and support the development of new ideas, promising new strategies and solutions in response. Ultimately this should lead to meaningful action for a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Voice has partnered with Partos to celebrate inclusion by issuing the NOW-Us! award. The NOthing about Us, Without Us award forms part of the annual Innovation Festival, held in October of every year.

The Partos Innovation Festival is an inspiring event on Innovation for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, attracting a large audience and a wide variety of actors. With a view to supporting its members in constantly improving the effectiveness of their interventions, Partos established The Spindle, an innovation platform that is financially supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through The Spindle, Partos connects, inspires and accelerates innovators for social change with the aim to boost innovation, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions for the poor.

The Spindle Awards ceremony is part of the Festival showcasing the best innovations in development with the aim to inspire and connect. For 2018 and 2019 the Spindle Awards includes the Nothing about Us Without Us (NOW-Us award) , particularly to ensure that initiatives led by representatives from one or more of the five target groups within Voice is amplified and connected to a larger audience. The monetary award is coupled with a training, skills and coaching trajectory beforehand to connect Southern front runners in inclusive innovation to The Spindle#s community (and networks), as well as to Dutch-based organisations working for the respective target groups for mutual benefit.

For more information and  how to apply click here.