Stimuleringsfonds

For the 2025-2028 policy period, the Fund has renewed the Talent Development Grant Scheme. The grant scheme is for starting designers, and they can apply for a grant of € 25,000. From March 31 you can submit an application. You can find the main changes below. Prepare yourself by registering for the online consultation hour or one of the writing sessions, and by reading about the main changes below.

consultation hour 12 March

On Wednesday 12 March, we are organising an online consultation hour for the Talent Development Grant Scheme where we will explain the changes. You can use the registration form to ask your question in advance.

writing sessions second half of March

In the second half of March, we will organise writing sessions at various locations around the country. You can then work on your application and your development plan. In the meantime, you can ask us questions and we give you feedback. Eight sessions will be organised with room for 25 participants per session.

no phasing

In previous years, applying to the Talent Development Grant Scheme took place in two phases: the first phase focused on your motivation, the second on your development plan. That is changing in the new grant scheme, and we have moved away from phasing. From now on, you will submit your development plan immediately with your application. In the plan, you describe how you will work in the coming year to strengthen your artistic talent, professional practice and your own cultural entrepreneurship. Your application additionally consists of your portfolio, CV and the application form.

maximum numbers

We are limiting the number of applications we take into consideration to a maximum of 200. The applications are evaluated in order of submission against the entry requirements of the Talent Development Grant Scheme. Applications that are complete and meet the entry requirements will be considered until the maximum number has been reached. Only the applications that are taken into consideration are submitted to the interdisciplinary advisory committee for assessment.

In the new way of working, the moment you submit your application has become more important than the deadline of the grant round. So, make sure you prepare and submit your application on time and in full when the grant scheme opens. Applications that are incomplete cannot be considered. Once the set maximum number of applications has been reached, the intake closes. The grant scheme opens on 31 March 2025 at 10:00 CET.

applications possible from one year after graduation

Unlike before, starting designers can no longer apply in the first year after graduation. We do expect you to be active in the first 12 months after graduation with projects in the disciplines of design, digital culture and/or architecture, and that this is visible in your CV and portfolio included with your application.

From 24 February 2025, you will find the new Talent Development Grant Scheme and all related information on our website.

coming up

Finally, an important change for self-taught and MBO-educated designers who want to apply for the talent development grant. The Scout Nights we organised for these makers in previous years are changing. Coming in their place are the Open Call Self-taught Designer and the Open Call Emerging Design Practices ABCSSS. Keep an eye on our newsletter for more information. There will also be a separate open call for collectives and duos. Keep an eye on our newsletter for more information.

Are you curious about why the Fund is making various changes to grant schemes and procedures? Read the interview with our executive director Syb Groeneveld.