Arranging funding can be quite overwhelming. Grants, funds, sponsors, donors. There are many avenues, but it's not always clear which one is the best fit. Moreover, applying for funding often requires specific knowledge, time and experience. Fortunately, there are ways to enlist help so you don't have to go through this process alone.
Getting started yourself
Grants and funds are an important source of financing, and in many cases you can apply for them yourself. On this page you will find an overview of schemes and practical tips for preparing an application. But the larger or more complex your project, the more knowledge and time is often required. Sometimes it is difficult to determine where to turn or how to present your plan convincingly. In such cases, it's smart to enlist the help of someone experienced in fundraising.
💡 Tip: Start on time. Some funds have set deadlines and preparing an application takes time. Check the deadlines of available grants and funds.
Engage fundraisers
For those who want help in applying for grants or funds, a fundraiser can help. These specialists know exactly how to present a good plan and which funds may be relevant. They think along about the best approach and, based on your input, can draft a strong application. Check out their profiles, click through to their LinkedIn page and feel free to contact them to explore if and how you can work together. See the list of fundraisers in the region here:
Fundraisers
Looking for financial support for your project? Here is a list of regional fundraisers that can help you with grant applications.
Firestart Fund
A fundraiser for your project still just a little too expensive? Then the Firestart Fund might be something for you. This fund offers an interest-free loan of up to €2500 to hire a fundraiser. It is a revolving fund (you pay the amount back so someone else can use it later). The fundraiser helps you create a project plan, find funders and accountability. Often these are starters in the field, who are mentored by an experienced colleague. You may suggest someone yourself, or we'll pair you with someone from our pool. See all the details here.
Other ways to find funding
Grants and funds are not the only ways to raise money. Also consider sponsorships, donations or crowdfunding. But what's the difference?
- Sponsorship - Support from industry, in money, materials or services, usually in exchange for visibility or a quid pro quo.
- Donors, friends and patrons - Engaged individuals who support your work structurally or occasionally, often through a circle of friends or platforms such as Patreon.
- Gifts and patronage - Contributions from generous donors or patrons, usually without quid pro quo, purely out of appreciation for art and culture.
- Crowdfunding - public contributing in advance through a platform, often in exchange for a small reward or symbolic gift.
- Audience revenue - Direct revenue from ticket sales, admission or participation.
💡 Tip: Unsure which funding source is best for your project? Use the Cultural Funding Guide from Cultuur+Ondernemen. A few simple questions will give you a clear overview of suitable grants, funds and schemes.
Sustainable financing
Many creators and cultural organizations start their practice with incidental funding: from project to project. That is a logical and often necessary first step, but it makes you vulnerable. Sustainable funding means securing income in the longer term, for example through long-term subsidies, structural partners or a permanent place in policy programs such as the Basic Infrastructure (BIS). In this article we explore how to go down that road, step by step.