Deadline: 23-Sep-2026
The Platforms for Design-based Learning opportunity is a funding programme supporting initiatives that help children and young people develop practical design skills through design-based learning. It promotes access to Dutch creative and design culture and strengthens pathways into creative industries such as product design, fashion, spatial design, coding, and visual storytelling.
Programme Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme is designed to expand access to design education and strengthen grassroots creative learning ecosystems.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting design-based learning for children and young people
- Expanding access to creative and design education
- Strengthening pathways into creative industries
- Promoting Dutch design and creative culture internationally and locally
- Encouraging grassroots, community-based learning initiatives
- Supporting skill development in emerging creative disciplines
The focus is on practical, hands-on learning led by professional designers and creative practitioners.
Target Group
The programme supports young learners at different stages of creative development.
Eligible participants include:
- Children in primary education
- Secondary school learners
- Young people up to 28 years old
- Beginners and self-taught creators
- Emerging or pre-professional designers
Key inclusion focus:
- Broad access to design education regardless of background or prior experience
Focus Areas in Design-Based Learning
The programme supports a wide range of creative disciplines and learning formats.
Core focus areas include:
- Product design
- Textile and fashion design
- Spatial and environmental design
- Creative coding and digital design
- Visual storytelling and media design
- Maker culture and hands-on fabrication
- Experimental and interdisciplinary design practices
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to organisations that deliver design education and creative participation activities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Platforms for makers and creative learning
- Workshops, labs, and studios working with professional designers
- Cultural organisations delivering design-based learning programmes
- Institutions focused on creative participation and skill development
Key restrictions:
- Educational institutions cannot apply as lead applicants
- Organisations receiving structural national cultural funding for the same activity are excluded
- Collaboration with schools is allowed only outside formal curricula
Funding Structure
The programme provides medium-scale project funding for one-year initiatives.
Funding details:
- Maximum grant per project: €75,000
- Total programme budget: €750,000
- Project duration: up to 1 year
- Start deadline: no later than 1 April 2025
- Partial funding may be allocated for organisational development
Key implication:
- Competitive funding prioritising high-quality, scalable learning platforms
Eligible Use of Funds
Funding can support both programme delivery and organisational strengthening.
Eligible costs include:
- Design-based learning activities and workshops
- Engagement of professional designers and mentors
- Development of educational content and programmes
- Community outreach and accessibility initiatives
- Organisational development (within allowed limits)
- Materials, tools, and creative learning resources
Programme Design Expectations
Projects must demonstrate strong educational and creative design principles.
Expected features include:
- Hands-on, practice-based learning methodologies
- Active involvement of professional designers
- Strong accessibility for diverse youth groups
- Integration with local creative ecosystems
- Clear learning outcomes and skill development pathways
- Long-term sustainability and impact potential
Application and Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a structured expert evaluation process.
Process steps:
- Step 1: Submission of project proposal
- Step 2: Review by independent assessment committee
- Step 3: Evaluation based on programme quality and relevance
- Step 4: Selection of projects within available budget
- Step 5: Participation in community of practice
Selected organisations join a collaborative knowledge-sharing network during and after implementation.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on quality, impact, and ecosystem relevance.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Strength and clarity of programme design
- Quality and involvement of professional designers
- Accessibility and inclusivity of the initiative
- Positioning within the broader cultural and creative ecosystem
- Long-term sustainability and impact potential
- Regional balance considerations where relevant
Community of Practice
Funded projects become part of a collaborative learning ecosystem.
Key features include:
- Knowledge exchange between participating organisations
- Shared learning on design-based education practices
- Ongoing collaboration during and after project implementation
- Strengthening of European and Dutch design education networks
Why This Programme Matters
This funding initiative strengthens creative education by:
- Expanding access to design skills for young people
- Bridging education and creative industry pathways
- Supporting grassroots innovation in design learning
- Strengthening cultural participation and inclusion
- Promoting interdisciplinary and future-oriented skills
- Enhancing visibility of Dutch design culture
It helps build a pipeline of creative talent through practical, inclusive education models.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Application mistakes:
- Weak design or education methodology
- Lack of professional designer involvement
- Overly theoretical or non-practical learning models
- Insufficient focus on youth accessibility
Eligibility mistakes:
- Educational institutions applying as lead applicants
- Organisations receiving structural funding for the same activities
- Lack of clear distinction from formal school curricula
Design mistakes:
- Poor sustainability planning beyond the project period
- Limited engagement with local creative ecosystems
- Weak evaluation or learning outcomes framework
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong proposals typically include:
- Clear, hands-on design-based learning model
- Strong collaboration with professional designers
- Inclusive access strategy for diverse youth groups
- Well-defined learning outcomes and progression pathways
Best practices:
- Demonstrate real-world creative skill development
- Show strong community and ecosystem integration
- Include innovative, interdisciplinary design approaches
- Ensure long-term sustainability beyond funding period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this programme?
- Makers’ platforms, workshops, labs, and creative organisations working in design education.
Who is the target group?
- Children and young people up to 28 years old, including beginners and emerging designers.
What is the maximum funding available?
- Up to €75,000 per project.
What is the project duration?
- Up to 1 year, starting no later than 1 April 2025.
Can schools apply as lead applicants?
- No, educational institutions cannot be lead applicants.
What types of activities are supported?
- Design workshops, maker labs, creative coding, fashion, product design, and visual storytelling.
Is collaboration with schools allowed?
- Yes, but only outside formal curricula.
Conclusion
The Platforms for Design-based Learning programme is a targeted funding initiative that strengthens youth engagement in creative education through hands-on, design-driven learning. By supporting maker platforms, workshops, and creative organisations, it expands access to design skills, fosters innovation, and builds stronger pathways into the creative industries while promoting inclusive and practical learning experiences for young people.
For more information, visit Creative Industries Fund NL.
