Apply for Volt Language and Culture Programme

Deadline: 17-Sep-2026

The Volt Funding Programme supports creative and cultural projects involving children and young people up to age 25 from at least three Nordic countries. Funding can support artistic production, cultural exchanges, long-term collaboration, and activities promoting Nordic languages, culture, dialogue, and creative participation. Applicants can request up to €35,000. Grants of up to €7,000 may be fully funded, while larger grants can cover up to 70% of eligible project costs, with at least 30% provided through other sources, including eligible in-kind contributions. Overview of the Volt Funding Programme Volt is a Nordic funding programme designed to encourage cross-border cultural and linguistic engagement among young people. The programme connects young participants and cultural practitioners across the Nordic Region, including: The project should provide meaningful opportunities for children and young people to participate in the creative process. Youth Participation Requirement A central feature of Volt is the active participation of young people. Projects should not simply provide cultural activities for young people. They should create opportunities for young participants to contribute to the development and implementation of the project. Develop communication skills through cultural collaboration. Sustainability and Vision 2030 Applications are assessed partly against the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030. Projects should therefore consider broader Nordic priorities, including: Sustainability. Integration. Cross-border cooperation. Inclusive participation. Long-term cultural connections. Applicants should explain how their project contributes to these broader objectives where relevant. How Applications Are Assessed Applications are assessed by a panel of experts. Important assessment considerations include:

Participation of children and young people

Creativity of the project. Cultural value. Quality of Nordic collaboration. Promotion of Nordic languages. Opportunities for shared decision-making. Relevance to Nordic cooperation. Sustainability and integration. Alignment with Vision 2030. How to Apply for Volt Funding

Step 1: Develop a Youth-Focused Project

Start with a creative or cultural idea that actively involves participants aged up to 25.

Clearly identify:

The target participants. The creative activity. Expected outcomes. The role of young people.

Step 2: Build a Nordic Partnership

Establish collaboration with partners from at least three Nordic countries. Explain what each partner will contribute to the project.

Step 3: Design the Creative Activities

Develop a clear programme of activities such as: Workshops. Artistic production. Cultural exchanges. Performances. Film production. Literary activities. Visual arts projects. Cultural heritage activities.

Step 4: Give Young People a Decision-Making Role

Explain how young participants will influence the project.

For example, they may help:

Select themes. Develop creative content. Make artistic decisions. Organize activities. Evaluate results.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Determine the amount of funding required. If requesting more than €7,000, identify the remaining 30% or more in co-financing.

Step 6: Explain Nordic Language and Cultural Value

Show how the project encourages interaction with Nordic languages, cultures, or shared cultural experiences.

Step 7: Address Sustainability and Integration

Explain how the project contributes to relevant Nordic priorities and creates lasting networks or cooperation.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Ensure that the application clearly demonstrates: Youth participation. Artistic creativity. Nordic collaboration. Cultural value. Financial feasibility. Appropriate co-financing where required. Project Timeline

Projects may begin:

No earlier than six weeks after the application deadline.

Projects can take place during:

The year in which the application is submitted. The following two calendar years. Applicants should therefore create a realistic timeline covering preparation, implementation, collaboration, and final outputs. Tips for a Strong Application Put Young People at the Center The project should demonstrate genuine youth participation rather than simply identifying young people as the audience. Make the Nordic Collaboration Meaningful Explain why partners from different Nordic countries need to work together and what participants will learn from the exchange. Show Creative Innovation Clearly describe what makes the artistic or cultural project original and engaging. Explain the Cultural Impact Describe how the project strengthens understanding of Nordic culture, language, heritage, or artistic practice. Build a Realistic Budget Make sure the requested funding reflects actual project costs and clearly identify other sources of financing for larger grants. Plan for Long-Term Connections Projects that create lasting networks and future collaboration can demonstrate stronger long-term value. Common Mistakes to Avoid Involving Fewer Than Three Nordic Countries The project must involve partners from at least three Nordic countries. Treating Young People Only as an Audience Youth participation and shared decision-making are important assessment factors. Including Partners Without Meaningful Roles Nordic partners should contribute actively to the project’s development or implementation. Ignoring Co-Financing Requirements For grants above €7,000, Volt can cover up to 70%, meaning at least 30% must be co-financed. Failing to Explain Language or Cultural Engagement Projects should clearly demonstrate their relevance to Nordic languages, arts, culture, or cultural cooperation. Starting the Project Too Early Projects cannot begin earlier than six weeks after the application deadline. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the Volt Funding Programme? Volt is a Nordic funding programme supporting artistic, cultural, and linguistic collaboration involving children and young peo