For small-scale, experiment-driven research projects in the fields of design, architecture and digital culture.
Applications will be processed in the order of submission. The moment the application is complete applies in this regard.
The current period closes once 30 applications have been processed, as it is expected that the grant ceiling will be reached with that number.
This grant scheme is open to professional designers, architects, makers and design agencies working in the field of design, architecture and digital culture.
(Cultural) institutions or organizations cannot apply to this scheme. In this scheme, only one grant can be provided to an applicant per calendar year.
Grants can be applied for small-scale projects focused on experiment-driven research with a maximum duration of one year. Project proposals can take various forms. One condition is that the experiment starts from a clear, defined research question and the implementation of the experiment aims to answer that question. The end result of the experiment is primarily new knowledge.
Presentation and publication costs can only be included in the budget if the form and setup of the presentation are part of the experiment and if the presentation is necessary to answer the research question. Costs that are made to share the experiment’s results, will not be subsidized and may not be specified in the budget.
A residency can be part of the experiment, but may not be the core of the project proposal under the Experiment Grant Scheme. For stand-alone residencies, contact the Fund about grant possibilities.
It is not permitted for the submitted project to:
- have previously received a grant from any of the Fund's other grant schemes
- have a second grant application pending under one of the Fund's other grant schemes
- have previously received a negative decision from the Experiment Grant Scheme
In order to prepare the application, it is important for you to acquire the right information based on the following documents:
The Grant Application Guidelines Experiment provides guidance and tips on preparing a grant application and an explanation of the criteria. You can use it for drawing up a complete application.
Applications are assessed on the basis of the Experiment Grant Scheme. This states the conditions, criteria and objectives.
It is not possible to submit a concept application within this scheme, but with specific questions about submitting your project proposal you can always contact team Experiment. Ask your question by e-mail to Carlijn Limburg or Marthe Oosting at experiment@stimuleringsfonds.nl. You can also call 010 436 16 00.
Applications are assessed internally by at least two Fund officers. This is done on the basis of the Experiment Grant Scheme.
- artistic value
- expected significance to the personal practice or for the area of expertise
- effectiveness in terms of setup, methods and any expertise involved
The criteria are explained in the Grant Application Guidelines Experiment.
When you have submitted your application, the Fund Desk will check if your application complies with the formal requirements of the Experiment Grant Scheme.
Your application is assessed internally on the basis of the Experiment Grant Scheme by at least two Fund officers who were not involved in the formal assessment. They will give their advice to the Fund's Board.
The Board takes account of the committee's advice in its decision on the rejection or provision of the grant. You will be notified about the result in a decision. You will receive this no later than ten weeks after submitting your application.
If you receive a grant from the Fund, then you will have to comply with the obligations. Two weeks before the conclusion of your project, you will be asked by email to submit your accountability form in the application environment.
Project proposals can take various forms. One condition is that the experiment starts from a clear, defined research question and the implementation of the experiment aims to answer that question. The end result of the experiment is primarily new knowledge rather than a concrete final product. The Design, Architecture and Digital Culture Grant Schemes offer more scope for project proposals that work towards an end product.
See an overview of previously issued grants here.
Due to the small scale of the experiment, the total project budget may not exceed € 10,000. This includes any co-financing or own resources. Co-financing is possible under the Experiment Grant Scheme, but not compulsory. Make sure that all contributed time and resources are listed and quantified in the budget and finance plan.
Starting grants can be applied for under the Grant Schemes for Design, Architecture, Digital Culture and Internationalization. This form of subsidy makes it explicitly possible to investigate the design of a proposed project, involve content-specific expertise and look for financial support. Under the Experiment Grant Scheme, a concrete starting point with research question is needed and the goal of the project lies within the grant period (of up to one year). With a starting grant, on the contrary, work is done on arriving at a sharp question and plan of action, and the objective of the project lies further into the future.
In addition to uploading all required documents for your application, you must complete an online application form within the application environment. This form becomes available once the submission period is open and you begin your application. In the application form, you will provide practical information, such as your personal details, subsidy requirements, and the project's start and end dates. Additionally, there are several fields where you need to enter short texts. In these fields, you will be asked to provide:
- the reason and purpose of the project (max 400 characters)
- the research question (max 400 characters)
- the project setup (max 400 characters)
- the intended results (max 400 characters)
- information about any collaboration partners involved and whether they have confirmed their collaboration (max 1000 characters)
- the relevance of the project to your practice or the design field(s) in which you work (max 3000 characters)
be clear and do not repeat yourself
support your proposal with visuals
draw up a realistic budget
take into your account your fee and those of partners
ask for feedback and fine-tune your proposal
Do you want to apply for a subsidy under this grant scheme?
Start your applicationIf some of the information is not clear, email your question to experiment@stimuleringsfonds.nl. You can also call on 010 436 16 00. If you have a more general question, have a look at our frequently asked questions first.
