Forms of financing

Once you have a good idea of the cost of your project, the next step is: how will you finance it? You may have some savings behind you, but often you will need to use a combination of income sources. We call this your funding mix. Think of grants, funds, sponsorships, your own income or contributions from your audience. Use this page to research which forms of funding suit your project and audience.

Op deze pagina vind je alle vormen van financiering overzichtelijk bij elkaar. Lees door voor de hele mix, of klik direct naar het onderwerp dat jou verder helpt in het rechtermenu.

Grants and funds

Would you like to apply for a subsidy or fund for your cultural initiative, but don't know where to start? On this page we clearly explain what subsidies and funds are, how to make a good application, and what to look out for. You will also find out which funds you can apply for directly through Cultuur Academy .

Grants and funds

If you want to finance an initiative or a project, in many cases there is a possibility of claiming a grant or a fund. From almost all governments there are possibilities to financially support initiatives in various themes and fields by means of subsidies. In addition, there are a lot of (private) funds in the Netherlands (and beyond) whose main purpose is to support a specific area or theme through a financial contribution.

Public as funder

In addition to grants and funds, there are many other ways to make your project or initiative possible. One important option is public funding. These are contributions you receive directly from people who want to support your work. From crowdfunding to donations and patronage: here you can read about the possibilities and how to get started.

• Crowdfunding: A form of financing that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Online platforms make it easy to reach a large audience.
• Donors, friends and patrons: Target people who want to make a long-term commitment to your work.
• Gifts and patronage: Patronage - private individuals who structurally support artists - has existed for centuries. Gifts are a broader category, from one-time to periodic contributions.

Public as funder

In addition to grants and funds, there are many other ways to make your project or initiative possible. An important option is public funding: contributions you receive directly from people who want to support your work. From crowdfunding to donations and patronage: read below to find out what the possibilities are and how to get started.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is a well-known but sometimes untapped form of funding in the cultural sector. It offers opportunities to collaborate with companies willing to support your initiative, often in exchange for visibility or social profiling. In this article you will read what sponsorship entails, what forms there are and how to build and maintain successful sponsorship relationships.

Sponsorship

One way to provide funding for your project or initiative is sponsorship. Here you receive a contribution from a company in exchange for something in return.

Direct revenue

Direct income is an important pillar of cultural entrepreneurship. These are cash flows that come directly from the relationship with your audience or visitors. Think of ticket sales, catering, merchandise or contributions for checkrooms and toilets. This income is not only financially important, but also a sign of relevance: your audience is willing to pay for what you make.

Direct revenue

Direct income is an important pillar of cultural entrepreneurship. These are cash flows that come directly from the relationship with your audience or visitors. Think of ticket sales, catering, merchandise or contributions for checkrooms and toilets. This income is not only financially important, but also a sign of relevance: your audience is willing to pay for what you make.

Loans

In addition to your own investments, grants, sponsorships, prize money and crowdfunding, you can consider taking out a loan. There are different types of loans, including culture loans specifically for creative entrepreneurs, venture capital, bank financing and equity investments. Consider, for example, the Culture Loan from Cultuur+Ondernemen: intended for creators and cultural organizations that want to take the next step in their professional practice and can pay it back over time. But you can also borrow from individuals such as friends or family, or through the bank. Read more about loans on BeroepKunstenaar.nl

Own investment

You can also draw on your own investment: savings, income from a previous assignment or your (part-time) job. This may seem like a small step, but it also shows that you yourself are willing to invest in your initiative - something that falls well with many other funders.