RFPs: Sample Translations from Danish Grant Programme (Denmark)

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Danish Grant Programme for Sample Translations supports Danish and international publishers and agencies with fixed grants to fund sample translations of contemporary Danish literature into foreign languages. The programme aims to promote Danish literature abroad by covering translator fees for high-quality literary samples intended for international publishing and rights promotion.

Overview of the Programme

The Danish Grant Programme for Sample Translations is administered by the Danish Arts Foundation through its Committee for Literary Project Funding.

The programme supports sample translations from Danish of literary works for adults, children, and young adults, enabling publishers and agencies to present Danish literature to international markets.

Funding is specifically intended to help applicants pay professional translators for sample translations of current Danish works.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen access to literature in Denmark

• Promote Danish literature internationally

• Support professional literary translators

• Enable publishers and agencies to market Danish works abroad

• Encourage environmentally sustainable publishing practices

What the Grant Supports

Eligible Translation Activities

Funding is available for:

• Sample translations of current Danish literary works

• Translations into foreign languages

• Works for adults, children, and young adults

The sample translation is intended for presentation, promotion, and rights sales, not for full publication.

Fixed Grant Amounts

The programme awards fixed grants based on the type and length of the original work.

• DKK 8,000

  • For a 40-page sample translation

  • Original work must be 100 pages or longer

• DKK 3,000

  • For illustrated literature, or

  • For works where the original text is fewer than 100 pages

Key funding rules:

• The grant may be used only to pay the translator’s fee

• Co-financing is expected from the applicant

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• Danish publishers

• Foreign publishers

• Literary agencies

To ensure fair distribution of funding, each applicant may apply for support for a maximum of four sample translations in total.

Ineligible Projects

The programme does not support sample translations of works that fall into the following categories:

• Research and academic literature

• Educational materials

• Regional or local history

• Handbooks

• Self-help and lifestyle books

• Dictionaries

• Catalogues or similar non-literary formats

The programme also does not support:

• Sample translations of the applicant’s own works

• Text revisions or editing

• Projects that were completed before the application deadline

Language and Translator Requirements

• The translation must be made from Danish

• The translator must be professionally qualified

• The translator is expected to translate into their mother tongue

• Translator experience and track record are key evaluation factors

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are assessed by the Danish Arts Foundation’s Committee for Literary Project Funding, which evaluates each project as a whole.

Key assessment criteria include:

• Literary quality of the original work

• The work’s current relevance and international interest

• Qualifications and experience of the translator

• Contribution to the international dissemination of Danish literature

When prioritising between strong applications, the committee may give preference to:

• Applicants who have not previously received funding

• Applicants who have received support only to a limited degree

The committee generally does not prioritise sample translations into Swedish or Norwegian, as professional Scandinavian publishers are presumed to understand Danish.

Applicants are also encouraged to integrate green sustainability considerations into their projects.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Before Applying

Before submitting an application, ensure that:

• The work is current and literary in nature

• The project has not been completed

• A professional translator has been identified

• The translation language is a foreign (non-Danish) language

Step 2: Review the Grant Portal Guide

Due to a system error in the application form, some translations have been lost.

Applicants are strongly advised to:

• Download and review the translated guide for the Grant Portal before applying

Step 3: Submit the Application via the Grant Portal

All applications must be submitted digitally through the Grant Portal.

Physical materials are not accepted.

Step 4: Attach Required Documents

Applicants must upload the following mandatory attachments:

• Sample translations from Danish – information about the application

• A Danish text sample from the original work (5–8 pages)

• A bank information form from the Finances section of the portal

Step 5: Follow Technical Requirements

• Maximum total attachment size: 25 MB

• Accepted formats: PDF, Word, MP3, MP4

• ZIP files are not accepted

• Additional attachments beyond the required materials are not assessed

If an application is incomplete, a new and complete application must be submitted within the application period.

Only the latest submitted version will be processed.

After Submission: What to Expect

• A receipt appears on screen after submission

• No email confirmation is sent

• Applicants can view their application under “My applications” in the Grant Portal

• Applicants are responsible for ensuring all information and attachments are correct

Decision Timeline and Notifications

• Decisions are communicated no later than 12 weeks after the application deadline

• Applicants receive the decision through their case in the Grant Portal

Important Administrative Rules

• Applications and awarded grants cannot be transferred to another legal person or company

• Applicants must clearly identify the correct applicant before submission

• Responsibility for completeness and accuracy lies entirely with the applicant

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for ineligible genres such as self-help or academic works

• Submitting translations into Swedish or Norwegian expecting prioritisation

• Uploading incorrect file formats or exceeding the file size limit

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Applying for projects that are already finished

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the sample translation grant?

The grant helps publishers and agencies pay translators to produce sample translations that promote Danish literature internationally.

2. How much funding can I receive?

Applicants receive a fixed grant of either DKK 8,000 or DKK 3,000, depending on the type and length of the work.

3. Can the grant be used for costs other than translation?

No. The grant may be used only to pay the translator’s fee.

4. Can I apply for more than one sample translation?

Yes, but applicants may receive support for a maximum of four sample translations in total.

5. Are translations into Swedish or Norwegian supported?

They are eligible but not prioritised, as Scandinavian publishers are expected to understand Danish.

6. Will I receive an email confirmation after applying?

No. A submission receipt appears on screen, and the application can be viewed in the Grant Portal.

7. When will I receive the decision?

Applicants receive a decision within 12 weeks after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Danish Grant Programme for Sample Translations is a targeted funding opportunity that helps publishers and agencies bring Danish literature to international audiences. By supporting professional translators, literary quality, and sustainable practices, the programme plays a vital role in expanding the global reach of contemporary Danish writing.

For more information, visit Danish Arts Foundation.