Applying for funding

There are often several options available for funding your initiative or project. You may also be able to apply for a government grant to cover part of the costs. You can choose to do this yourself, but you could also decide to hire a professional fundraiser for this purpose. In any case, we’re happy to help you get started with the information below and a list of tips for applying for a grant. We’ve also compiled a list of many potential grants and funds covering various themes. The application process varies depending on the type of grant and the government agency involved. As a general rule, the amount you can apply for influences the information you must provide, the time required to assess your eligibility, and the subsequent accountability. If you want to apply for a grant, it is very important that you carefully read all the rules, check whether you are eligible, and note the deadlines. Also pay close attention to the maximum amount you can apply for and the application process. Always take this into account, as there is a high chance that your application will not be processed if it is incomplete or submitted late.

Methodology

When applying for a grant, you should always follow the rules and conditions set by the grant provider. However, there are a number of basic elements that are common to all applications. We have listed them below.

Step 1 – Your own initiative or project

First, take a close look at the initiative or project you’ve come up with—in other words, your concept. Often, you come up with an idea because you like it yourself or because you think it serves a good cause. Try to step back and view it from a different perspective: does your concept truly add value, and will other people like it too? Also ask yourself whether you’re introducing the concept at the right time. Determine in what ways it stands out from other similar initiatives and projects. Once you’ve fully developed the concept, you can also have others read it to see if they understand your plan. They might have suggestions or tips for you.

Step 2 – Determine what you need

In the “In aanvullingisbank/cult” section of Step 1, take a close look at exactly what you need. You shouldn’t focus solely on grants. Think of a grant primarily as a supplement to what you already have—in other words, coverage for costs that cannot be covered in any other way. Therefore, always create a budget yourself first . In it, you’ve listed all costs and indicated what income you expect to generate from your initiative or project. The latter is very important because a government agency will almost always ask how you’re engaging in cultural entrepreneurship and what forms of co-financing you have. If you end up falling short of the required amount, you can try to cover the gap through grants.

Step 3 – Which grant are you going to apply for?

There are a wide variety of grants available, and whether you qualify for one depends largely on your initiative or project. To determine this, you should always start by reviewing the rules and eligibility criteria established by the funding agency. Generally, you can find this information on the agency’s website or request it from a contact person, if their details are listed. These rules and criteria can vary significantly. In any case, it’s a good idea to carefully review what is stated regarding the following matters:

Are you eligible for the grant?

It’s a waste of time to apply if you have no chance of being selected. For example, it’s generally important that you’re not a for-profit organization. Additionally, there may be requirements such as having been in operation for at least a certain number of years, being limited to receiving a grant for a maximum of three consecutive years, or having a specific level of revenue. Of course, it’s also important that your initiative or project aligns with the grant’s theme.

The period

A grant almost always covers a specific time period. Make sure your initiative starts or takes place within that period.

The subsidy cap

For each grant, a maximum amount is set that can be allocated to all applications received during a specific period. Sometimes, the government decides to allocate funds based on the date the application is received, and in some cases, this means that each applicant receives slightly less than they requested.

The minimum and maximum amounts that can be requested

The maximum amount you can apply for is always specified. Never exceed this amount, as your application will often not even be considered. In some cases, there is also a minimum amount.

Eligible costs

There may be rules regarding which expenses you can and cannot cover with the grant. For example, you may only be allowed to use it for materials or program costs, but you may not use the grant to pay for your own hours. If the latter is the case, there is a good chance that the minimum and/or maximum hourly wage for certain positions is set.

Percentage of the total budget

Each grant specifies the maximum percentage of the total budget that the grant can cover. This is not a standard percentage, so be sure to review it carefully. If a grant can cover up to 50% of the budget, this means you must have your own funds or co-financing to cover the remaining portion.

Audience reach

When applying for a grant, it is important to specify the types of people you reach and the numbers involved. This does not only refer to visitors to or participants in your project or initiative. It is also possible that your communication channels give you a wide reach. As a result, a city or a particular theme may still come to the attention of your target audiences(perhaps in the longer term).

Step 4 – Submit the grant application

Once you have carefully reviewed all the information regarding the grant in question, you can begin the actual application process. Don’t wait until the day before; start well in advance. You may need to include certain documents with your application that you’ll need to request or have verified by third parties. The requirements for what the grant provider needs to assess your application are always specified. These vary by grant, and generally speaking, the higher the amount you’re applying for, the more documentation you’ll need to submit. This allows the grant provider to determine, for example, whether you’re financially sound and capable of operating professionally. In any case, you can expect that in virtually all cases, you will be asked to provide a project plan, a balanced budget, a communication plan, and an extract from the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, you may need to submit, for example, the foundation’s articles of incorporation, the CVs of the board members, or financial statements. Grant applications are increasingly submitted digitally, and a standard form is often used. In such cases, always ensure you are fully prepared and have everything on hand so you can complete the (online) form in one go. In some cases, you may also be asked to send one or more copies of your application by mail. Always send these via certified mail, as this provides proof that you submitted them on time.

If, from your expertise, you yourself have knowledge that would fit this topic, or if you see opportunities to improve this text, we look forward to receiving your message at info@cultuuracademy.nl.