Subsidy - Basic cultural institutions

The Cultural Basic Institution subsidy is intended for basic cultural organizations in Zoetermeer. The municipal council designates these organizations. Together, they ensure a strong and lasting cultural foundation in the city. 

These organizations offer programs and activities that align with the goals and target groups outlined in Zoetermeer's Cultural Vision. In this way, they help to preserve and further develop culture in the city. They also work together with the municipality in accordance with the Zoetermeer Cultural Covenant. 

The cultural institutions and the municipality agree on how they will work together to strengthen Zoetermeer's cultural capacity and urban culture.

How does it work?

The subsidy is intended for the maintenance of basic cultural institutions. These institutions must be active in one of the following areas:

  • Public library.
  • Theater.
  • Museum function.
  • Pop stage.
  • Center for cultural education, cultural participation, and amateur arts.
  • Institution for contemporary visual arts.

Subsidies can be applied for every four years. The council determines the amount of the subsidy for several years. In doing so, the council uses the assessment framework that accompanies this scheme.

Assessment framework

You can apply for a subsidy if you:

  • A cultural institution designated by the city council.
  • Registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Have been independently established in Zoetermeer for at least three years.
  • A fixed location has its own name.
  • Submit the application completely, on time, and in the correct manner.

Conditions

The programs and activities for which you are applying for a subsidy: 

  • Facilitating encounters between people.
  • Contribute to the specific objectives of the program lines of the Cultural Vision 2030.
  • Contributing to the cultural capital of Zoetermeer.
  • Strengthen the urban culture of Zoetermeer.
  • Take place in Zoetermeer.
  • Have a total budget of at least €100,000.
  • Reach or strengthen residents of Zoetermeer.

No subsidy

No subsidy will be granted for:

  • Political or religious activities.
  • Commercial activities or training courses.
  • Activities for which you can provide enough money yourself (for example by asking participants for a contribution).
  • Costs incurred prior to the application.

Apply for subsidy

Apply for grant for basic cultural institutions

Enclose with your application:

  • A multi-year policy plan based on the accompanying questionnaire.
  • A balanced budget including a coverage plan.
  • An extract from the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Most recent substantive and operational annual report.
  • Most recent financial statements with balance sheet.
  • Auditor's report with explanatory notes.

Questionnaire accompanying grant application for basic cultural institutions grant program (pdf)

Tool for applying for and (interim) accounting for subsidies (Excel)

Account for subsidy of cultural projects (interim)

If you receive a subsidy, you must submit an interim report. This allows you to show the municipality how the activities are progressing and what the income and expenditure situation is.

In addition, you must submit a substantive and financial report each year. This means that you must demonstrate that all activities have been carried out, what costs have been incurred, and that you have fulfilled all obligations. We will then determine whether you were entitled to the subsidy. 

Account for subsidy for basic cultural institutions (interim)

Tool for applying for and (interim) accounting for subsidies (Excel)

How long will it take?

You can receive subsidies for a maximum of four years. If you wish to extend the subsidy beyond that, you must submit a new application. This application will be reassessed for a new period of four years. You must submit the new application in the fourth and final year of the current subsidy period.

Also see if you can apply for grants elsewhere

There are several funds and foundations you can apply for grants from, for example:

Useful links

General

Contact Subsidy Office

The Grant Office can be reached from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on the general telephone number 14 079. You can also send an email to ondernemingbureau@zoetermeer.nl .