Request for Applications: Design Sector Internationalisation Grant (Netherlands)

Creative Industries Fund NL’s Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme supports Dutch designers, agencies, cultural institutions, and other creative-sector professionals undertaking international research and collaborative projects, primarily outside the Netherlands. Grants range from €10,000 to €50,000 per project, with at least 20% co-financing required, to strengthen international partnerships, sustainable development, and the global visibility of the Dutch creative industries.

About the Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme

The Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme is offered by Creative Industries Fund NL to strengthen the international position of the Dutch creative sector.

The scheme supports professional activities in:

• Design
• Architecture
• Digital culture
• Cross-disciplinary creative practices
• International research and collaboration

Projects should primarily take place outside the Netherlands and contribute to meaningful, long-term international exchange.

The programme supports experimental and research-driven approaches that can create lasting international relationships and increase the visibility of Dutch creative practices abroad.

Objectives of the Grant

The scheme aims to strengthen the international development of the Dutch creative industries by supporting projects that:

• Build sustainable international partnerships.
• Encourage knowledge exchange between Dutch and international creative professionals.
• Increase the international visibility of Dutch design, architecture, and digital culture.
• Support experimental and research-oriented creative practices.
• Contribute to sustainable development.
• Strengthen the position of the Dutch cultural sector internationally.

Applicants are particularly encouraged to demonstrate how their projects contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What Projects Can Be Supported?

Funding is intended for international research and collaborative projects that have a clear connection to the Dutch creative industries.

Eligible projects may involve:

• International creative research.
• Collaborative design projects.
• Architecture-related research and partnerships.
• Digital culture initiatives.
• Cross-disciplinary creative projects.
• International knowledge exchange.
• Development of sustainable international partnerships.
• Research and experimentation conducted with international partners.

The activities should primarily take place outside the Netherlands.

The project should also have benefits that extend beyond a single international activity, such as developing lasting partnerships, knowledge, networks, or international visibility.

Grant Amount and Funding

Applicants can request between €10,000 and €50,000 per project.

The funding structure includes:

• Minimum grant: €10,000
• Maximum grant: €50,000
• Required co-financing: At least 20% from other sources
• Total grant period budget: €300,000
• Total available for the 2026 grant periods: €600,000

Co-financing may come from sources such as:

• Other grants
• Sponsorship
• External contributions

Creative Industries Fund NL pays 80% of the awarded grant as an advance at the start of the project. The remaining amount is paid after completion and submission of the required reporting.

Who Is Eligible?

The scheme is intended for professionals and organisations working within the Dutch creative industries.

Eligible applicants can include:

• Professional designers.
• Design agencies.
• Architects and architecture practices.
• Digital culture professionals and organisations.
• Cultural institutions.
• Other professional creative-sector applicants.
• Observers or organisations demonstrably positioned within the creative industry.

Applicants must be demonstrably established within the creative industries and registered in the Business Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) or otherwise within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the programme requirements.

International Project Requirements

A central requirement is that projects have a genuine international dimension.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Why international collaboration is necessary.
• Who the international partners are.
• How the collaboration will contribute to the project’s objectives.
• How the project strengthens the international position of Dutch creative practice.
• Why activities need to take place primarily outside the Netherlands.
• How the project can create longer-term international exchange.

Letters of intent from project partners should be included where required.

Priority Areas

Applications are particularly encouraged when they demonstrate strong contributions in the following areas.

International Collaboration

Projects should develop meaningful relationships between Dutch creative professionals and international partners.

Long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange are particularly relevant.

Sustainable Development

Projects that address sustainability and use the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework are prioritised.

Applicants should explain which sustainability challenges their project addresses and how the proposed activities contribute to measurable or meaningful progress.

International Visibility

The programme also supports projects that strengthen the position of Dutch design, architecture, and digital culture internationally.

Applicants should explain how their work will reach international professional, cultural, or creative audiences.

Project Duration and Start Requirements

Projects must:

• Start within six months of the funding decision.
• Be completed within 24 months.
• Primarily take place outside the Netherlands.

Applicants should therefore develop a realistic project timetable showing when research, collaboration, international activities, communication, and reporting will take place.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their application according to the scheme’s requirements.

Step 1: Develop an International Project

Define the research or collaborative activity and explain its international relevance.

The proposal should clearly establish the project’s objectives, activities, expected results, and contribution to the Dutch creative sector.

Step 2: Identify International Partners

Applicants should identify relevant international partners and explain their role in the project.

Letters of intent from partners should be obtained where required.

Step 3: Prepare the Project Plan

The application should include a detailed project plan covering:

• Project objectives.
• Background and rationale.
• Research or collaboration activities.
• International partners.
• Expected outcomes.
• International impact.
• Sustainability considerations.
• Communication and visibility activities.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Applicants must provide a realistic and detailed budget showing project costs and sources of financing.

The budget should also demonstrate the required minimum 20% co-financing.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applications should include:

• Project plan.
• Detailed budget.
• Project timetable.
• Communications plan.
• CVs of relevant professionals.
• Letters of intent from partners.
• Other supporting information required by the scheme.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Applications may be submitted in Dutch or English.

Applicants should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are included before submission.

What Is Not Eligible?

Certain applicants and activities are excluded from the scheme.

Funding is generally not intended for:

• Projects with a profit motive.
• Market exploration activities.
• Trade fair presentations.
• Activities that form part of a study programme.
• Other project types specifically excluded under the scheme.

Applicants should carefully check the full eligibility requirements before preparing a proposal.

Reapplication Rules

Only one application per applicant per grant period is permitted.

Applicants that have previously received funding under this scheme must wait 12 months before applying again.

This means organisations should carefully select and develop their strongest proposal before submitting an application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can improve their proposals by avoiding common weaknesses such as:

• Insufficient international relevance: Clearly explain why the project requires international research or collaboration.
• Weak partner involvement: Identify credible partners and define their responsibilities.
• Unclear Dutch connection: Demonstrate how the project strengthens the Dutch creative sector.
• Missing co-financing: Ensure at least 20% of the required financing comes from other sources.
• Unrealistic timetable: Make sure the project starts within six months of the decision and finishes within 24 months.
• Incomplete documentation: Include the project plan, budget, timetable, communication plan, CVs, and partner letters where required.
• Commercial focus: Avoid presenting the project primarily as market exploration or a profit-making activity.
• Limited sustainability impact: Where relevant, clearly connect the project to the SDGs and explain the expected contribution.

Why This Grant Matters

International partnerships can help Dutch creative professionals access new networks, knowledge, audiences, and opportunities.

The Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme goes beyond supporting individual international activities. It is intended to encourage long-term international exchange, sustainable collaboration, research, experimentation, and greater international visibility for Dutch creative industries.

For eligible designers, architects, digital culture professionals, and cultural institutions, the programme can provide significant financial support for ambitious international projects while requiring applicants to demonstrate meaningful international and sector-wide value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme?

It is a Creative Industries Fund NL funding scheme supporting international research and collaborative projects in design, architecture, digital culture, and related creative disciplines.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants can receive between €10,000 and €50,000 per project.

Is co-financing required?

Yes. Applicants must provide at least 20% co-financing from other sources, such as grants, sponsorship, or external contributions.

Where should the project take place?

Activities should take place primarily outside the Netherlands and have a clear international research or collaboration component.

How long can a funded project last?

Projects must begin within six months of the decision date and be completed within 24 months.

Can applicants submit more than one application?

No. Only one application per applicant per grant period is permitted. Previous recipients must wait 12 months before applying again under this scheme.

What documents are required?

Applications should include a project plan, budget, timetable, communications plan, relevant CVs, and letters of intent from international partners, along with other required supporting information.

Conclusion

The Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme provides substantial support for Dutch creative professionals and organisations seeking to develop international research, collaboration, and exchange. With grants of €10,000 to €50,000, required co-financing of at least 20%, and a focus on sustainable partnerships and international visibility, the programme is suited to ambitious projects in design, architecture, digital culture, and interdisciplinary creative practice. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong international partnerships, clear creative and research objectives, sustainable impact, and long-term benefits for the Dutch creative sector.