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Frequently Asked Questions

On this page, you will find answers to frequently asked questions. Can't find your question? Please contact us on 030 - 233 60 30 or via info@cultuurparticipatie.nl.  

General
What does the Cultural Participation Fund do?

At the Cultural Participation Fund, we believe in the power of arts and culture. Access to arts and culture is essential for the vitality of people and society. We, the Dutch governmental culture fund of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, therefore make culture accessible for everyone. We achieve this by offering grants to cultural projects in the field of education and recreation. Participation and being part of the experience are key to this. With our grant schemes, we encourage cultural education and participation in an accessible, engaging and inclusive way. 

How to get in touch with the right person?

Do you have a general question not listed among the FAQs? Please contact us on 030 - 233 60 30 or via info@cultuurparticipatie.nl. Do you have a question about a specific scheme? Please check out the scheme page and get in touch via the scheme's general email address or with one of the advisers. All contact details of our advisers can be found on this page

Our grant schemes
What grant schemes does the Fund have?

The Fund has grants for cultural education (projects for pupils, during school hours) and cultural participation (leisure projects). With our schemes, we focus on various fields: talent development, heritage, international cooperation, the social domain, education and the amateur arts. For all schemes, please visit this page

Who can apply for a grant?

This differs from scheme to scheme. The grant scheme tells you who can apply for the relevant scheme.  

Is my project eligible for a grant?

Do you have a good idea for a project, but not sure which grant scheme best fits its purpose? Complete the Grants Guide or check our calendar and sign up for one of our (online) info sessions. Already know which scheme suits your project? Please send a short draft of your project to the scheme's general email address. One of our advisers will be happy to help you think things through.  

When can I start my project?

This differs from scheme to scheme. You can read about the processing time in the grant regulations. Generally, your project will start at the earliest 8 or 13 weeks after we consider your application. Only complete applications will be processed. 

When is the grant application deadline?

This differs from scheme to scheme. The application deadline can be found under 'Application periods' on the right side of scheme page. 

How do I know if there is still budget available?

We try to estimate as accurately as possible when the budget runs out. If the budget is (almost) exhausted, we will either display a notice with the scheme or close applications. As long as the scheme is open and no caution is listed with the scheme, you can assume there is still sufficient budget. 

Grant application
How do I submit an application?

Apply for grants via My Fund: our online application environment. At the top right of a grant page, click on 'Apply for a grant' or click on My Fund in the menu bar to create a My Fund account (it may take a few days for it to become active) and start your application. Want to know more about all the steps in the application process? Visit our How it works page here to read more on submitting your application. 

In which language can I submit my application?

Dutch and English applications can be submitted to the Fund. All correspondence and official documents are in Dutch.  

How else can I prepare for an application?

For each scheme, you will find some documents on the right, under 'Documents', to help you get started with an application. Here, you will find guidance on a project plan, a sample application form and a sample budget. With these files, you can prepare your application. Please send a short draft of your project to the scheme's general email address. One of our advisers will be happy to help you think things through. 

Who will evaluate my application?

Applications up to €25,000 are assessed by an internal advisory committee. The internal advisory committee consists of the Fund's internal advisers. Applications above €25,000 are assessed by an external committee. View our external committee members here

Who is my contact person at the Fund?

The decision letter states who your contact is. The contact details of all our employees can be found on our employee page. Have you not yet received a decision? It is best to contact the scheme's general email address, which can be found on the scheme page. 

Can I submit multiple applications for different projects at the same time?

Yes, you can. It should be clear in the applications that these are separate projects. This means there is no overlap in content and budget between the different projects. 

Can I apply to more than one scheme for one project?

No, you cannot. The application will be rejected.  

My Fund
How to create a My Fund account?

You can create an account as a self-employed person/cultural institution/institution from the social domain, as an educational institution or as a(n) (private) individual. Go to My Fund and fill in your details. Enclosing a CoC (KvK) form? Please make sure this form is not older than one year. We will then check your details and create an account for you. You will receive your login details via email within 5 working days.  

I applied for an account but did not receive a message after 5 working days. What now?

Check your spam box/junk mail. No email received? Please send us an email at mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl. We will be glad to help you as soon as possible.  

How can I submit changes in My Fund?

Changes concerning your application (e.g. the planning of your project) or concerning contact persons can be communicated by sending an email to mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl. In your email, clearly describe the change you wish to have made and include the application number, if applicable.  

I cannot send or upload forms or files. What now?

The size of your documents should not exceed 12 mb. If uploading fails, try uploading all attachments in one PDF document. Are you still not succeeding? Please send us an email at mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl

I can't see tasks in my inbox in My Fund. What now?

Your applications and the documents associated with them can be found under 'Applications I am linked to'. In your inbox, you will find tasks: these are the pending actions you need to complete. Can't see any tasks? First, check that you are logged in with the right account. Still can't see any tasks? Please send us an email at mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl.  

I can't select the right scheme. What now?

You may be logged in but unable to click on a scheme. If so, your applicant type may not be able to apply for this scheme. Check whether you, as an applicant, meet the conditions of the grant scheme. You can request a new account for a different type of applicant if necessary. You can do this via My Fund

All my applications appear to have disappeared. What now?

Are you the new contact person for an application? If so, please submit this via mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl. In this email, include all relevant details, such as the name of your foundation, the file number and the former contact person. We will then link the right request to the right contact person.  
  
Has the contact for an application not changed? Please contact us at info@cultuurparticipatie.nl.  

I am getting an error message. What now?

It may be possible that My Fund is temporarily not working. Try again at another time. If it is still not possible to request or upload something a few hours later, please contact us at mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl.  

Granted applications
Where can I find the letter about the awarding of my project?

You can find this letter in My Fund. Click on the file number: there you will find all communications related to your application, including the decision letter.  

What does the Fund expect from me when I am awarded a grant?

This differs from scheme to scheme. In the decision letter, we explain the conditions you need to meet, for instance, in terms of accountability and communication. Communication tools such as logos can be found on this page

Where can I find my accountability form?

Check your My Fund inbox, under ‘Current tasks’. Can't find the form, for example because the contact person for your application has changed? Please contact us at info@cultuurparticipatie.nl. We will then link the appropriate contact person to the form. 

There is a change in my project schedule. What now?

Has there been a change in your project plan after your application has been accepted? If so, contact the contact person or adviser listed on your decision letter. An adviser will assess the amendment and you will receive a new decision, including new terms of agreement. Want to make a change to an unreviewed project plan? Please send the amendment to mijnfonds@cultuurparticipatie.nl and include all relevant information, such as the file number, project title and applicant's name in the email. 

Rejected applications
Will I receive an explanation if my application is rejected?

Yes, the rejection letter contains a clear explanation of why your application has been rejected. If you have any questions regarding the rejection, you can contact the contact person mentioned in the letter.  

Can I amend my application and have it reassessed?

No, you cannot amend your application and have it reassessed. However, if the scheme is still open, you can reapply. If so, please take the explanation of the rejection of your first application into consideration and contact one of our advisers for advice if necessary.  

I do not agree with the rejection or the awarded amount. What now?

If you want to know more about the rejection, or want to know whether it makes sense to apply again, please contact the contact person mentioned in the letter. Do you disagree with the decision? On this page you will find the procedure to submit an objection to the Fund.