Tips for Applying for a Grant

On this page, we've put together a list of tips for you regarding grants and how to apply for them. Elsewhere on the website, you'll find an overview of a wide range of grants and funds.

Provide a broad funding mix

It is almost never possible to operate solely on the basis of grants. A government will always require you to demonstrate cultural entrepreneurship and secure co-funding. A diverse funding mix is a key component of this. This means having multiple sources of income to cover the costs of your initiative or project. These can include multiple grants and funds, but it’s even better if you also generate revenue from your audience and through sponsorships.

First, check whether you are eligible for the grant

Another important factor is whether you are even eligible for certain grants. Governments will rarely support projects that serve purely commercial purposes when companies are more likely to do so. In fact, in virtually all cases of government support, you must be a foundation or association to apply for a grant. This means that as a limited liability company (BV) or self-employed individual, you may not be able to apply at all. Many grant providers or funds clearly list their criteria on their websites. You can often take a “Quick Scan” as well, where by answering a few questions, you can quickly determine whether you’re eligible for a financial grant or not.

Please review the terms and conditions and rules first

Every grant comes with its own rules and conditions. Generally, you can find this information on the relevant government agency’s website or request it from a contact person, if that information is provided. These rules and conditions can vary significantly from one grant to another. Be sure to read them carefully, as it would be a shame to invest a lot of time, energy, and/or money into an application only to have it rejected because you didn’t meet all the requirements. For example, the rules and conditions may relate to the amount you can apply for, the timeframe in which the initiative or project must take place, or the documents you need to submit.

See where the common interests lie

To be eligible for a grant, it is important that your initiative or project aligns with the reasons the relevant government agency has for awarding that grant. Some governments consider it important for a particular city or region to gain the attention of a specific target audience. They may also believe that an initiative or project should contribute to certain objectives of a city or region. Examples include themes such as education, sustainability, or improving the well-being of residents and visitors.

Know Your Target Audience

When applying for a grant, the scope of your audience will always be taken into account. The government will therefore always ask you to describe as clearly as possible who your target audience is, how large that audience is, and how you plan to reach it. This allows them to better assess whether your initiative or project can achieve the desired impact and to determine whether it aligns with their own objectives. In most cases, you’ll be expected to include a communication plan with your application.

Be honest and open with yourself

There’s absolutely no point in exaggerating things or beating around the bush in your grant application. You can be sure that government agencies deal with these kinds of applications all the time and are well-informed. Your goal is to build a lasting relationship with your partners, and if it becomes clear that you’ve (deliberately) provided incorrect information, there’s a good chance they won’t be willing to help you with your next application. Government agencies work with public funds, and it’s their job to ensure those funds are spent wisely.

Start the application process early

Submitting a grant application takes time. Keep in mind that you’ll need to gather information or documents, or request them from third parties. It’s also a good idea to review your application several times, as you may notice new details or think of additional information to include. Finally, you can discuss it with others so you don’t have to go through the process alone. For some grants, you have the option to submit a first draft by a certain date to receive feedback from the grant provider. In that case, you can use that feedback to make a few adjustments, which will increase your chances of having your application approved.

Dare to ask

Every grant involves one or more government officials. Their contact information is often listed in the grant description. They generally know everything there is to know about that grant and are more than happy to help you. They’re well aware that some people are applying for the first time. If there’s something you don’t understand or if you’re unsure about anything, just ask. You might have to wait a bit for an answer, but be polite and open to the conversation. You’ll see that there’s plenty of help available. In some cases, specific meetings are even organized to explain a particular grant. Even if you don’t have any questions, it’s a good idea to get in touch beforehand, explain your plan, and let them know you intend to apply. That way, you’ll have already gotten to know your grant provider, and in many cases, you’ll receive information that will benefit you—information you didn’t even realize you’d need beforehand.

Don't get too caught up in subsidies

Don’t fixate on grants; start by looking for companies that can support your concept through products or services. Then you’ll see how much (cash) you’ll actually need to bring your initiative or project to fruition. In terms of accountability and outside influence, sponsors are often easier to work with than the government—which, incidentally, is not without reason. This is because a company finances projects using its own equity (or previously reported profits), whereas a government must draw on public funds (from taxes). Therefore, take a realistic look at whether your initiative or project truly cannot exist without government funding, and clearly outline exactly what you’ll use the money for.

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.