The Van Eeden Foundation encourages and supports research projects in the fields of botany, botanical ecology, and ethnobotany or with a conservation viewpoint focussing on plant species or vegetations, that are conducted in the Guianas, Dutch Caribbean.

The Foundation grants financial aid for internships, fieldwork, publications, lectures, and other research costs.

During its more than 120-year existence, the Van Eeden Foundation has made it possible for hundreds of students and scientists to complete their education and/or research successfully.