starting grant

Please note: from 2024 you will no longer have to submit a project plan or a project canvas if you apply for a starting grant. Instead, we will ask you questions in the online application environment about the project for which you are applying for a starting grant. This only does not apply to the Upstream: Music x Design Grant Scheme.

What can you use a starting grant for?

A starting grant is aimed at the first phase of a larger project that still requires extensive preparatory research. In this phase, for example, you develop the definition of the problem or the research questions or frameworks of the larger project and you use the initial phase to get partners involved to generate substantive and financial support for the project. You can also utilize the initial phase to draw up a communications plan and to develop an initial proof of concept or a demo, if necessary.

How much is a starting grant?

The starting grant is a maximum of € 7,500. As long as the total costs do not exceed € 7,500, co-financing is not compulsory.

What does your application contain?

In the application for a starting grant, you describe what you are going to do to come up with a detailed project plan. An application for a starting grant must be more than just a draft, otherwise the advisory committee will not be able to assess whether the application might lead to a meaningful follow-up project. To get a clear picture of what you want to do in the initial phase and what project you are working towards, we will ask you the following questions in the online application environment:

• What is the central issue or the central theme of the project? Elaborate the artistic and/or substantive principles (no more than 2000 characters).
• What is the reason for the project? (no more than 1,300 characters)
• Why do you want to carry out this project? (no more than 1,300 characters)
• What is the project’s goal? (no more than 1,500 characters)
• What do you want to achieve in the initial phase? Indicate which steps you want to take to obtain the goal in this phase. Also, how do the results of the initial phase contribute to your project? (no more than 3,000 characters)
• Can you broadly outline the follow-up phase? (no more than 1,500 characters)
• How does the project relate to the existing knowledge about or projects on this theme? What does the project add to the area of expertise? (no more than 1,000 characters)
• Which parties make up the team during the initial phase? What knowledge does the team already have and what knowledge will still need to be found in possible collaboration partners? (no more than 1,000 characters)
• What is the project’s target group and how are you going to reach it? (no more than 1,000 characters)
• How does the project contribute to diversity and inclusion within the area of expertise? Read the Diversity and Inclusion Code for more information. (no more than 1,000 characters)
• Is there anything else the advisory committee should know about your project? (no more than 500 characters)

Additional questions for a starting grant under the Architecture Grant Scheme:

• Who are the intended stakeholders? (no more than 500 characters)
• Where will you look for the project’s co-financing in the follow-up phase? (no more than 500 characters)

Additional questions for a starting grant under the Internationalization of the Design Sector Grant Scheme:

• What is the (local) foreign demand and to what extent does the chosen theme and design assignment match this? (max 1500 characters)
• Where will you look for the project’s co-financing in the follow-up phase? (no more than 500 characters)

When do you apply for a project grant?

After you have wrapped up the initial phase you can apply for a project grant to implement your project plan. If you already know how you want to implement your project and have a detailed project plan, then you can apply for a project grant straight away. A starting grant will then not be necessary.