Request for Applications: Nordic Translations Grant Programme

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Nordic Translations Grant Programme by the Danish Arts Foundation supports Nordic publishers with funding to translate literary works from Danish into other Nordic languages. The grant primarily covers part of the translator’s fee and prioritizes high-quality literature, professional translators, and projects that strengthen Nordic language diversity and sustainability.

Overview of the Grant

The Nordic Translations Grant Programme is administered by the Danish Arts Foundation to support the translation of Danish literary works into other Nordic languages.

The programme is designed to strengthen the circulation of Nordic literature across borders and promote linguistic and cultural exchange within the Nordic region.

Funding is awarded to Nordic publishers to help cover the translation fee for professional translators working from Danish into another Nordic language.

Purpose and Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Increase access to high-quality Danish literature across the Nordic region

• Promote Nordic languages beyond their country of origin

• Support professional literary translators

• Encourage environmentally sustainable publishing practices

• Strengthen minority language areas within the Nordic region

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The scheme supports the publication of high-quality Nordic literature translated from Danish into another Nordic language.

Eligible formats include:

• Books

• Literary works in Nordic languages

• Special themed magazine issues

Priority is given to:

• Poetry

• Drama

• Children’s and young adult literature (YA)

• Projects benefiting minority language communities

Funding Amount and Payment Structure

Applicants may apply for funding to cover all or part of the translation fee.

In most cases, the grant covers only part of the total translation cost.

Key funding conditions include:

• The grant must be used exclusively to pay the named translator

• The full grant amount must be paid to the translator without deductions

• Grants of DKK 100,000 or less are paid close to the project start date

• Grants above DKK 100,000 with project periods longer than six months are paid in instalments

• All grants are reported to the Danish Tax Agency, regardless of taxation status

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Nordic publishers planning to publish a work translated from Danish into another Nordic language

• Publishers that have acquired the necessary copyrights

• Applicants who have already signed a contract with a professional translator

Ineligible Applicants and Projects

Funding is not available for:

• Research and academic works

• Educational materials

• Regional or local history

• Handbooks, hobby books, and self-help books

• Catalogues

• Text revision or editing

• Translation of the applicant’s own works

In addition, Danish publishers are generally not funded to publish Danish works in translation.

Non-Nordic publishers must apply instead to the fund “Literary production and translation.”

Language and Translation Requirements

• The work must be translated from the language in which it was originally published

• The translator must be a professional with experience translating from Danish

• The translation must be into the translator’s mother tongue

• For non-fiction works, the committee assesses whether the content is of general interest

Why This Grant Matters

The Nordic Translations Grant Programme plays a key role in:

• Strengthening Nordic cultural cooperation

• Supporting professional literary translators

• Preserving and promoting Nordic languages

• Increasing cross-border access to literature

• Supporting sustainable and diverse publishing ecosystems

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are assessed by the Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Literary Project Funding.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Literary quality of the original work

• Qualifications and experience of the translator

• Relevance and cultural value of the project

• For non-fiction, the work’s general public interest

• Consideration of previous applications submitted within the past three years

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Before Applying

Before submitting an application, ensure that:

• You have secured the copyrights to the work

• You have signed a translator contract

• The project is not completed before the application deadline

Step 2: Review the Application Form

• Applications must be submitted via the digital application portal

• Review the PDF version of the application form in advance

• Be aware of a 15-minute session timeout on the portal

• Use Chrome or Firefox for best performance

Step 3: Prepare Required Attachments

You must upload:

• Translator’s CV (maximum one A4 page)

• Three pages from the original Danish work

• Bank information form (for non-Danish bank accounts)

• A project description with clear, specific goals

Step 4: Technical Submission Rules

• Maximum total attachment size: 15 MB

• Accepted formats: PDF, Word, Excel

• ZIP files are not allowed

• Applications cannot be edited after submission

• If incomplete, a new and complete application must be submitted before the deadline

The most recently submitted application is the one that will be assessed.

Step 5: Submit and Confirm

After submission:

• You will receive an email receipt with your application number

• You are responsible for ensuring all required documents are included

Important Technical and Administrative Notes

• Applications cannot be transferred to another legal entity

• Due to a system error, some translations in the application form may be missing

• Applicants are advised to download the translated Grant Portal guide

• Additional guidance is available for projects combining multiple art forms

Timeline and Decision Process

• Applications are processed after the deadline

• Decisions are communicated by email within 12 weeks

• Awarded grants are published on the website once all applicants are notified

• The names of all applicants appear in the committee minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without a signed translator contract

• Uploading incomplete or oversized attachments

• Applying for ineligible genres or content types

• Missing the deadline and attempting to revise after submission

• Failing to ensure the translator is translating into their mother tongue

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the grant cover the full translation cost?

In most cases, the grant covers only part of the translation fee, not the full cost.

2. Can non-Nordic publishers apply?

No. Non-Nordic publishers must apply to the fund “Literary production and translation.”

3. Can Danish publishers apply for translations of Danish works?

Typically, Danish publishers are not funded for Danish works in translation.

4. Is the grant paid directly to the translator?

The grant is paid to the applicant but must be fully transferred to the named translator without deductions.

5. What happens if my application is incomplete?

You must submit a new and complete application before the deadline. The latest submission will be processed.

6. Are grants taxable?

All grants are reported to the Danish Tax Agency, regardless of taxation status.

7. When will I receive the decision?

Applicants are notified by email within 12 weeks after the application deadline.

Administration and Governance

• Applications are decided by the Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Literary Project Funding

• The programme is administered by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces

• Administration is carried out in collaboration with Nordic literary centres

Conclusion

The Nordic Translations Grant Programme is a strategic funding opportunity for Nordic publishers seeking to bring Danish literature to new Nordic audiences. By supporting professional translation, literary quality, and linguistic diversity, the programme strengthens cultural exchange and the long-term vitality of Nordic literature across borders.

For more information, visit Danish Arts Foundation.