Subsidy - Annual cultural programs

The municipality of Zoetermeer supports activities, projects, organizations, and institutions that contribute to the cultural capital of the city. Does your institution organize at least three public cultural activities, all of which take place within a single calendar year? If so, you can apply for the Cultural Annual Programs subsidy.

How does it work?

This year, you can apply for subsidies for activities taking place in the next calendar year. The subsidy application must be for a minimum of €2,000. For projects below this amount, you can apply for the Cultural Projects Subsidy. 

The municipality will reimburse up to 70% of the total project costs. You will finance the remaining 30% yourself, for example through sponsorship, ticket sales, or your own resources.

Assessment framework

You can apply for a subsidy if you:

  • A cultural creator, organization, or foundation that organizes cultural activities.
  • Registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
  • You are not a cultural institution.
  • Submit at least one annual program application per calendar year.
  • Submit the application completely, on time, and in the correct manner.
  • No other municipal subsidy is received for the same project.

Conditions

The project for which you are applying for a grant:

  • Is open to the public.
  • Takes place in Zoetermeer.
  • This is an annual program.
  • Gives shape to at least two of the four elements of cultural capital.
  • Reaches or strengthens residents of Zoetermeer.
  • Strengthens the cultural network and adds something new to the current offering.

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).
  • Activities that already receive subsidies from the municipality through another scheme.
  • Costs incurred prior to the application.

Apply for subsidy

You can apply for a subsidy from June to August of this year for all activities that you want to organize next year. The board will decide by November 30 of this year at the latest. You will receive a letter in December stating whether or not you will receive the subsidy.

The municipality will only process your application if it is sent on time and complete with all attachments.

Apply for grant for cultural annual programs

Enclose with your application:

  • A detailed questionnaire (see link below) in the form of a project plan.
  • 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 (for subsidy applications exceeding €100,000).

Questionnaire accompanying grant application for Annual Cultural Programs Grant Program (pdf)

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

Subsidy (interim) justification

Applying for a grant of up to €5,000?

In that case, you do not need to submit any accountability documents for this scheme. However, we do carry out random checks every year. We then check whether the subsidy has been spent in accordance with the agreements made. You should therefore keep all accountability documents for at least 5 years. 

Applying for a grant between €5,000 and €50,000?

In that case, you only need to provide a substantive account for this scheme. This means that you must demonstrate that all activities have been carried out and in what manner. We also conduct an annual financial audit to check whether the subsidy has been spent in accordance with the agreements made. You should therefore retain all accounting documents for at least five years.

Applying for a subsidy exceeding €50,000? 

You must then submit a substantive and financial report. 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 receive the subsidy. 

Grant cultural annual programs (interim) accountability

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

How long will it take?

From June 1 to August 31 of this year, you can apply for subsidies for all activities you wish to organize next year.

If you have applied for a subsidy online, you will immediately receive a confirmation of receipt by email. This will also include your file number. You will receive a second message after the municipality has checked that all the required documents are included with the application. The application will then be processed.

The board will decide on your application by November 30 of this year at the latest. You will receive a letter with the decision in December. The decision will state whether you will receive a subsidy, the amount, and the conditions. As long as the subsidy application is incomplete, the decision period will be postponed.

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 .