Fund introduces draw at intake

How does the draw work?

The draw system is being introduced in grant schemes where only a maximum number of applications can be considered in each subsidy round. The draw is used when taking in applications. Under the supervision of a notary, all applications submitted during the period the grant scheme is open will be ranked in random order. Based on this ranking, applications are then taken into consideration until the maximum is reached.

At intake, each application is checked as usual against the specified entry requirements. Applications that do not meet the entry requirements cannot be considered. The applications that are taken into consideration are submitted to the advisory committee for assessment of the content.

Which grant schemes are involved?

The draw system is being introduced to the three field-specific grant schemes: the Design Grant Scheme, Architecture Grant Scheme and Digital Culture Grant Scheme. The moment of conducting the draw for these grant schemes is after the closure of phase I. If you are selected in the draw and your application meets the entry requirements, you will have four weeks to supplement your application so that it can be assessed by the advisory committee in phase II.

The draw principle will also apply to the Architecture Kick-start Grant Scheme and the Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme. These grant schemes do not operate with a phased application process. The draw will take place once the complete applications have been submitted.

For all these grant schemes, there will be no draw if the number of applications submitted in a round is below the specified maximum number. All applications that meet the entry requirements can then be taken into consideration.

What has been modified in the entry requirements?

The Design Grant Scheme, Architecture Grant Scheme and Digital Culture Grant Scheme have introduced the requirement that for projects involving one or more project partners, a signed letter of intent must already accompany the application in phase I. Parties are considered project partners if they add substantial value to the project in the form of knowledge or expertise, or provide access to essential facilities that are important for the realisation of the project. Parties involved solely as co-financiers, for instance another fund or a municipality, are not considered to be project partners.

A second modification relates to the maximum amount that can be applied for. For the projects involving collaboration with one or more project partners, a maximum of € 50,000 can be requested. For projects with a single implementing party, the maximum amount to apply for is set at € 25,000. For applications where it is indicated in phase I that the grant requirement does not exceed € 25,000, the grant requirement in phase II may also not exceed € 25,000.

When do the modifications come into force?

The modifications will apply to the above grant schemes from the next subsidy periods:

– Design Grant Scheme: 25 February - 3 March 2026
– Architecture Grant Scheme: 18 March - 24 March 2026
– Digital culture Grant Scheme: 26 February - 4 March 2026
– Architecture Kick-start Grant Scheme: 11 March - 17 March 2026
– Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme: 16 February - 16 March 2026

Why is the Fund making these modifications?

In 2025, due to heavy pressure on the grant schemes, the Fund started working with a maximum number of applications that can be taken in for each round. The past year has shown that this way of working does not turn out well in two respects: the ‘first-come, first-served’ principle puts great pressure on applicants and the peak load at the start of a period disrupts the application system, which as a result does not guarantee a level playing field for all applicants.

Head of grant programmes Joris van Ballegooijen: ‘We are aware of the negative connotations of the word “draw”. But we are convinced that this method is fairer than the “first-come, first-served” principle of taking in applications in the order of submission. A draw gives all the applicants an equal chance. Everyone wishing to submit an application can take their time to do so until the submission period is closed. This means that applicants no longer have to be ready when the subsidy period opens to submit their applications in full as soon as possible. With regard to awarding grants, quality is still the top priority. Only applications that are assessed positively on their content by the advisory committee will be supported.’

Consultation hour

Do you have any questions about the above-mentioned modifications? On 4 February from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. CET, there will be an online consultation hour (in Dutch). On 11 February, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. CET, there will be a consultation hour in English.