Dialing for Nature: How Natuurmonumenten Conducts Telephone Fundraising Within Dutch Regulations

When your phone rings with a friendly voice asking about nature, you deserve clarity and control. Dialing for Nature is our way of describing how Natuurmonumenten approaches telephone fundraising—purposeful conversations conducted with care, transparency, and in full alignment with Dutch regulations. In this guide, you’ll learn why we call, how we protect your choices and data, and what safeguards stand behind every call.

Why we call: purpose-driven outreach

Telephone fundraising helps us connect people with nature in a personal, efficient way. It’s a direct line to share progress, invite support, and answer questions in real time.

Who we call

• Existing members and donors: to share updates, invite additional support, or confirm preferences.
• Potential members and donors: to introduce our mission and ask whether they wish to support nature.

These calling activities are conducted throughout the year by external partners working on our behalf.

What we talk about

Conversations focus on our mission and current priorities. We aim to explain how support helps protect and restore nature, and we always respect your wishes—whether that’s choosing how you want to be contacted or opting out of future calls.

Our lawful and ethical foundation

Natuurmonumenten’s telephone fundraising is built on clear legal and ethical pillars designed to protect your rights.

Respecting the Do-Not-Call list and your Right of Objection

• Bel-Me-Niet Register (Do-Not-Call): We follow the Dutch do-not-call rules to respect people who do not wish to be approached by phone.
• Right of Objection: You can object to direct marketing at any time. If you tell us during a call that you don’t want to be called again, we will honor that choice.

These measures ensure that outreach aligns with your preferences.

Safeguarding your privacy under the AVG (GDPR)

We process personal data in accordance with the Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG). For details about the types of data we process, the purposes, and your rights, please see our privacy statement: www.natuurmonumenten.nl/uw-privacy.

Industry quality marks and codes we follow

• CBF Keurmerk for charities: Recognition that we meet sector standards for transparency and effectiveness.
• Member of DDMA: We endorse sector codes of conduct, including the Fieldmarketing and Telemarketing codes. For an overview of DDMA codes, visit: www.ddma.nl/juridisch.
• Affiliated with Goede Doelen Nederland: We endorse the behavior codes of this sector association.

These commitments reflect our focus on lawful, ethical, and respectful fundraising.

Professional calling, human approach

Behind every respectful conversation is a structured process that prioritizes quality and integrity.

External specialists, internal stewardship

• Professional fundraising bureaus help us recruit members, donors, and volunteers by phone.
• Natuurmonumenten processes all registrations in-house at our office to ensure accuracy and care.

Training, guidance, and quality control

We ensure correct behavior and conversation skills through training, instructions, guidance, and control. This approach helps maintain high standards, fosters respectful dialogue, and ensures that calls reflect our values.

Transparency beyond the call

Telephone outreach is one part of a broader, transparent approach to supporter communication.

Postal appeals alongside our member magazine

Four times a year—March, June, September, and December—members receive a gift request by post. These appeals usually highlight a specific nature goal and are often enclosed with our member magazine Puur Natuur, featuring updates on projects, results, and relevant news for members.

Clear handling of outcomes

When you decide to join, donate, or update your preferences after a call, your registration is processed by Natuurmonumenten at our office. This ensures your choices are correctly recorded.

Your choices and control

Trust grows when you’re in charge of how, when, and why you’re contacted.

How to exercise your Right of Objection

• Tell us during any call if you don’t want future calls. We will record and respect your objection.
• You can also indicate other contact preferences, such as preferred channels for updates.

About the Bel-Me-Niet Register

The Bel-Me-Niet Register exists to help people avoid telemarketing calls. We align with this register so that individuals who choose not to be called are respected.

Quick answers (FAQ)

Do you call people who aren’t yet members or donors?

Yes. We may approach potential members and donors to introduce our mission and invite support, always respecting your choices and applicable rules.

Do you call year-round?

Yes. External partners conduct calling actions throughout the year on our behalf.

How do you protect my data?

We process data according to the AVG (GDPR). Read more in our privacy statement: www.natuurmonumenten.nl/uw-privacy.

What if I don’t want to receive calls?

Use your Right of Objection during a call, and we will honor your request. We also align with the Bel-Me-Niet Register.

Which quality marks and codes do you follow?

We hold the CBF Keurmerk, we are a member of DDMA and endorse the Fieldmarketing and Telemarketing codes, and we are affiliated with Goede Doelen Nederland.

Practical tips for a better call experience

• Set your preferences early: Let us know how you want to be contacted. We’ll follow your choices.
• Ask about the project: If a call mentions a nature goal, ask for a brief explanation of what support enables.
• Keep your details current: If you change address or email, you can update your information to stay informed.
• Use your rights: Prefer not to be called? Tell us during the conversation—your Right of Objection will be recorded.
• Note timing: If the moment isn’t right, ask for a more convenient time to talk.

How telephone fundraising works—in simple terms

• Purpose: Inform, invite support, and answer questions.
• Partners: Calls are made by external professional bureaus throughout the year.
• Safeguards: Bel-Me-Niet Register, Right of Objection, AVG (GDPR) compliance, and adherence to industry codes.
• Quality: Training and control ensure respectful, clear conversations.
• Follow-up: Registrations are processed by Natuurmonumenten at our office.

Conclusion: Support that respects your choices

Dialing for Nature means combining meaningful conversation with robust safeguards. We respect the Bel-Me-Niet Register, honor your Right of Objection, comply with the AVG, and follow sector codes and quality marks. If you prefer to hear from us by post, look for our quarterly letters—often enclosed with Puur Natuur—highlighting specific nature goals and results.

Ready to learn more about how we handle your data and contact preferences? Read our privacy statement: www.natuurmonumenten.nl/uw-privacy.

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Call to action

• Prefer not to receive calls? Use your Right of Objection during any call.
• Want to stay updated another way? Keep an eye on our postal appeals and Puur Natuur magazine for project news and results.
• Learn about your data rights and choices: visit www.natuurmonumenten.nl/uw-privacy.