Apply Now: Citizen Science Hubs Grant Program (Netherlands)

Open Science NL has launched a second funding round for Citizen Science Hubs to strengthen knowledge, expertise, and support for citizen science within research organisations in the Netherlands. The call is open until 8 January 2027, 14:00:00 CET and supports the (further) development of citizen science hubs. This call supports the development and (further) strengthening of Citizen Science Hubs. These hubs are intended to build and maintain capacity for citizen science within research organisations. Open Science NL frames citizen science as an important part of open science because it involves collaboration between members of the public and scientists, which can help make science more diverse and inclusive and better aligned with societal needs. The source does not specify any additional categories of eligible costs, co-funding rules, or restrictions beyond the in-kind contribution requirement. Eligible applicants are organisations that did not receive a grant in the first funding round in 2024/2025. Applications must meet the following partnership and structure requirements: The source does not specify other exclusions or additional eligibility criteria (such as organisation types beyond “organisations,” legal form requirements, or citizenship/residency rules). The programme focuses on capacity building for citizen science. Specifically, it supports strengthening knowledge, expertise, and support for citizen science within research organisations through Citizen Science Hubs. Further detail on what the hub activities must include is Not specified in the source and should be checked in the official call text/guidelines. Citizen Science Hubs can help research organisations build sustainable support for citizen science by strengthening internal knowledge and practical expertise. This supports collaboration between citizens and science and aims to improve the dialogue between science, society, and policymaking. Because this is a second round, Open Science NL also indicates that the previously funded hubs from 2024/2025 created a foundation for continued capacity-building, and the new funding round is designed to expand and reinforce that support. The source provides the submission method and deadline but does not include a direct ISAAC call link or a list of required documents. Applicants should follow the instructions in the official call page in ISAAC. For detailed proposal format requirements, document checklists, and assessment criteria, consult the official Citizen Science Hubs 2026 call text in ISAAC (Not specified in the source).

1) What is the Citizen Science Hubs 2026 call about?

It is a call by Open Science NL to fund the development and strengthening of Citizen Science Hubs that support citizen science within research organisations in the Netherlands.

2) What is the deadline to apply?

Applications must be submitted via ISAAC no later than 8 January 2027, 14:00:00 CET.

3) How much funding is available?

The total budget for the call is €2.4 million, with up to €400,000 per application.

4) Who can apply?

Organisations that did not receive a grant in the first funding round in 2024/2025 may submit an application.

5) Do I need multiple organisations in the application?

Yes. Each application must be submitted by at least two applicants from at least two different organisations.

6) What is the required in-kind contribution?

An in-kind contribution is required. The source states it corresponds to minimum 0.5 to 1.5 FTE of existing staff with relevant expertise, depending on the combined size of the submitting organisations.

7) How long can the proposed project run?

Projects may have a minimum duration of three years and a maximum duration of four years. Before submitting, review the official Citizen Science Hubs 2026 guidance in ISAAC to confirm the required application format, documents, and any additional proposal requirements that are not specified in the source. Then ensure your partnership, timeline (3–4 years), and in-kind staffing commitment meet the call’s stated conditions.