Deadline: 21-May-2026
The Sophie Wittemans Fund supports research and publication projects on the history of the Guide and Scout movements in Belgium, including former colonies and related entities. Funding is available for individual or collaborative research and publications in diverse formats, targeting researchers and organizations committed to preserving and sharing this historical knowledge.
Overview
The Sophie Wittemans Fund provides financial support for projects exploring the history of the Guide and Scout movements in Belgium. It aims to encourage research and publications that document the movement’s evolution, including its presence in former colonies and related entities such as the Belgian Armed Forces in Germany.
Objectives
The Fund focuses on:
- Supporting research projects, both individual and collaborative, across all levels of the Guide and Scout movement.
- Encouraging publication projects in multiple formats, including print, audio, video, and podcasts, based on research findings.
- Promoting the historical understanding of the movement at local, regional, national, interfederal, and international levels.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants can include:
- Collectives and research teams
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational and cultural institutions
- Volunteer groups
- Local public bodies
- The applicant must not be a commercial organization.
Eligibility extends to:
- Researchers of all nationalities.
- Projects at any stage of research or publication, depending on funding needs.
- Collaborations with publishers for publication projects, regardless of previous funding.
Supported Formats
The Fund supports a wide range of research and publication formats, including:
- Illustrated books and monographs
- Biographies and reportage
- Exhibition catalogues
- Scholarly evaluations of archives and documents
- Interviews and oral histories
- Films, podcasts, and audio-visual productions
How Applications Are Evaluated
The Management Committee assesses applications based on:
- Innovation and promise of the research project
- Relevance and significance for the community
- Quality of execution and methodology
- Potential impact, both short-term and long-term
- Likely tangible results or achievable next steps within a reasonable timeframe
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure the applicant is non-commercial and aligns with Fund objectives.
- Define the project: Specify research focus, publication format, and expected outcomes.
- Prepare supporting materials: Include project proposal, team details, and anticipated outputs.
- Submit application: Follow the official Fund submission procedures.
- Await review: Applications are evaluated based on relevance, innovation, and potential impact.
Tips for Successful Applications
- Highlight originality and innovation in research or publication approach.
- Emphasize community relevance and potential societal or historical impact.
- Clearly outline research methodology and publication plan.
- Show feasibility and achievable outcomes within the project timeframe.
- Provide evidence of collaboration or partnerships if applicable.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Sophie Wittemans Fund?
Researchers, collectives, non-profits, volunteer groups, institutions, and local public bodies involved in historical projects, excluding commercial organizations.
2. Are international researchers eligible?
Yes, researchers of all nationalities can apply.
3. What types of projects are funded?
Both research and publication projects documenting the history of the Guide and Scout movements in Belgium and related contexts.
4. Can the funding support ongoing or completed research?
Yes, funding can be requested at any stage of research or publication, depending on where support is most needed.
5. What publication formats are accepted?
Supported formats include books, monographs, biographies, reportage, exhibition catalogues, scholarly evaluations, interviews, films, audio, and podcasts.
6. How are applications evaluated?
Evaluation considers innovation, relevance, quality of execution, potential impact, and tangible results.
7. Can previous fund recipients apply again?
Yes, previously funded researchers can apply for new projects or publication initiatives.
Conclusion
The Sophie Wittemans Fund fosters research and publication on the history of the Belgian Guide and Scout movements, supporting diverse projects and formats that advance historical knowledge, community understanding, and cultural preservation. By funding innovative and impactful work, the Fund ensures the movement’s legacy is documented, shared, and celebrated for future generations.
For more information, visit King Baudouin Foundation.