Request for Applications: Design Sector Internationalisation Grant (Netherlands)

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

Creative Industries Fund NL’s Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme supports Dutch designers, agencies, cultural institutions, and other creative-sector professionals undertaking international research and collaborative projects, primarily outside the Netherlands. Grants range from €10,000 to €50,000 per project, with at least 20% co-financing required, to strengthen international partnerships, sustainable development, and the global visibility of the Dutch creative industries.

About the Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme

The Design Sector Internationalisation Grant Scheme is offered by Creative Industries Fund NL to strengthen the international position of the Dutch creative sector. Projects should primarily take place outside the Netherlands and contribute to meaningful, long-term international exchange. The programme supports experimental and research-driven approaches that can create lasting international relationships and increase the visibility of Dutch creative practices abroad.

Objectives of the Grant

The scheme aims to strengthen the international development of the Dutch creative industries by supporting projects that: Strengthen the position of the Dutch cultural sector internationally. Applicants are particularly encouraged to demonstrate how their projects contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What Projects Can Be Supported? Funding is intended for international research and collaborative projects that have a clear connection to the Dutch creative industries.

Eligible projects may involve:

International creative research. Collaborative design projects. Architecture-related research and partnerships. Digital culture initiatives. Cross-disciplinary creative projects. International knowledge exchange. Development of sustainable international partnerships. Research and experimentation conducted with international partners. The activities should primarily take place outside the Netherlands. The project should also have benefits that extend beyond a single international activity, such as developing lasting partnerships, knowledge, networks, or international visibility. Grant Amount and Funding Applicants can request between €10,000 and €50,000 per project.

The funding structure includes:

Minimum grant: €10,000

Maximum grant: €50,000

Required co-financing: At least 20% from other sources

Total grant period budget: €300,000

Total available for the 2026 grant periods: €600,000 Co-financing may come from sources such as: Other grants Sponsorship External contributions Creative Industries Fund NL pays 80% of the awarded grant as an advance at the start of the project. The remaining amount is paid after completion and submission of the required reporting. Who Is Eligible? The scheme is intended for professionals and organisations working within the Dutch creative industries.

Eligible applicants can include:

Professional designers. Design agencies. Architects and architecture practices. Digital culture professionals and organisations. Cultural institutions. Other professional creative-sector applicants. Observers or organisations demonstrably positioned within the creative industry. Applicants must be demonstrably established within the creative industries and registered in the Business Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) or otherwise within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, according to the programme requirements. International Project Requirements A central requirement is that projects have a genuine international dimension.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Why international collaboration is necessary. Who the international partners are. How the collaboration will contribute to the project’s objectives. How the project strengthens the international position of Dutch creative practice. Why activities need to take place primarily outside the Netherlands. How the project can create longer-term international exchange. Letters of intent from project partners should be included where required. Priority Areas Applications are particularly encouraged when they demonstrate strong contributions in the following areas. International Collaboration Projects should develop meaningful relationships between Dutch creative professionals and international partners. Long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange are particularly relevant. Sustainable Development Projects that address sustainability and use the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework are prioritised. Applicants should explain which sustainability challenges their project addresses and how the proposed activities contribute to measurable or meaningful progress. International Visibility The programme also supports projects that strengthen the position of Dutch design, architecture, and digital culture internationally. Applicants should explain how their work will reach international professional, cultural, or creative audiences. Project Duration and Start Requirements

Projects must:

Start within six months of the funding decision. Be completed within 24 months. Primarily take place outside the Netherlands. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic project timetable showing when research, collaboration, international activities, communication, and reporting will take place. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application according to the scheme’s requirements.

Step 1: Develop an International Project

Define the research or collaborative activity and explain its international relevance. The proposal should clearly establish the project’s objectives, activities, expected results, and contribution to the Dutch creative sector.

Step 2: Identify International Partners

Applicants should identify relevant international partners and explain their role in the project. Letters of intent from partners should be obtained where required.

Step 3: Prepare the Project Plan

The application should include a detailed project plan covering: Project objectives.

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