Subsidy guide
To create work, carry out a project and earn a living, you need money. You can sell your work, work on commissions, apply for a grant or a fund, start crowdfunding, find a sponsor, trade, apply for a loan, or combine these different possibilities. We are happy to help you find the right way forward.
To help you find funding, we have put together a few practical tips:
- Have insight into precisely what you want to apply for and how to earn money. What and who do you want to reach? Are you organizing a project, or do you want to develop your work? Are you going to collaborate or continue studying abroad as a musician? You can also think about whether you want to bet the money for a short period, or you already might have thought about what you would like to do in a few years.
- Compare what others have done with which financing. How do your work and your idea differ from that of others?
- There are often several options to find the proper subsidy. Look at your work and plan what the best options are.
- You can find more tips on the website of the Kunstenbond, and Beroepkunstenaar.nl. The website Cultuuracademy shares, among other things, useful tips about crowdfunding.
- From 2025, cultural institutions receiving BIS funding must commit to fair payment (fair pay) and collective rate agreements, such as a collective bargaining agreement or fee guideline. The Fair Practice Code, drawn up by the cultural field, contains rates per discipline. You could mention this code in quotations and agreements and on your website. Subscribing to the code is a condition for government funding, and it makes fair pay the norm. As a starter, it is good to be informed about this; it can help you define your fee. Find more information and the fee tables for each discipline here.
- The Kunstenbond’s rate checker lets you quickly see which costs you need to consider as a freelancer. Just enter how much you work and your expenses, and the tool instantly calculates a realistic rate for your work. It’s a handy reality check and a helpful tool. Setting a reasonable rate is essential for yourself and helps create a sustainable future for the sector.
- Finding funding through grant applications often takes a lot of time and can be complex and daunting for many starters. The Prins Claus Fund offers a very useful handbook and a workshop (in English) full of practical tips and tricks, both available online for free.
Funding guide by discipline
Crowdfunding
Voordekunst is a Dutch platform for the creative sector. They help create a realistic crowdfunding campaign by sharing tips, feedback, coaching, and organizing workshops.
Kickstarter is an international Platform for crowdfunding supporting the creative sector.
CrowdAboutNow provides financing for businesses. They help companies that want to grow or change and help entrepreneurs who want to start a business. The platform supports expanding and strengthening your community and telling your story.
Voor je Buurt is a platform for initiatives in your neighborhood, village, or city. Through Voor je Buurt, you collect money, help, and materials, and, together with others, you deliver color to your community. You can contribute to ongoing campaigns or set up your own. The Voor je Buurt team provides advice on the structure and implementation of your plans.
Ulule is an international crowdfunding platform for creative projects based in France.
KissKissBankBank is an international crowdfunding platform for creative projects based in France.
Oneplanetcrowd brings together innovative companies and future-oriented investors to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable economy. They finance established companies and projects.
Indiegogo is an international crowdfunding platform for all kinds of projects. They offer entrepreneurs and technology a platform to launch new products and innovations. Indiegogo makes no selection, offers a 'flexible funding' option, and is located in the United States.