Got a bold idea? Let's hear it!
You can submit an open application at any time of year for a grant up to € 10,000 for a pioneering project in 1 of our 3 focus areas. Other projects are funded through programmes focused on specific topics. In addition to scouting projects, we organise a themed call once or twice a year. Organisers of both small pioneering projects (seeking up to € 10,000) and larger projects (up to € 75,000) are welcome to respond to those calls.
Pioneering projects
Do you have an innovative idea that you want to develop or research further? Pioneering projects are always welcome.
Apply for up to € 10,000 to develop your idea into a demo, pilot or experimental design with a strong team.
Applications can be made any time!
In 2024, we're inviting funding applications particularly for pioneering projects concerned with the responsible use of AI for good causes. Examples of the type of project we have in mind include the Lees Simpel App and Tolkie.
Public interest comes first
You are eligible for our support if your innovative project is of value to society, has the potential to make an impact in 1 of our focus areas, and is viable beyond our funding period. It's also essential that the results of your project and the knowledge and experiences you gain will be shared. The general criteria below will be taken into consideration when evaluating an application. Please note: additional criteria sometimes apply in relation to thematic calls.
Your idea/project:
Makes an impact (in the longer term), initially in the Netherlands, that's relevant to the mission or focus areas of SIDN Fund.
Has added societal value and is not aimed at a single company or person. The project results will be available to the public, and knowledge and experience will be shared as a matter of course.
Is of high quality. This is assessed by considering your problem outline and the substantiation of the solution.
Is innovative. It is based on a new idea, the application of an existing idea in a new context, or a new application of digital technology. Your substantiation of your project's innovative qualities is important.
Is preferably new. How long have you been working on the project? Have you previously received financial support for your idea/project?
Fulfils a need and is therefore result-oriented. The need must be clear and evidenced. You'll need to show us how you established that the need exists within the target group.
Is supported bij a team with sufficient capacity and expertise to be a success. We value diversity within the team.
You as the applicant:
Are a legal entity if applying for more than €10,000. An application from a legal entity currently in the process of formation is acceptable only if the formation process will be complete by the time the grant is paid. A legal entity is, for example, a foundation, association, cooperative, mutual insurance company, public limited company or private limited company.
May be a natural or legal person if applying for a pioneering project grant application (up to €10,000). You must have a sound contact network.
Preferably collaborate with relevant players in the Dutch Internet sector, such as registrars, hosters or internet service providers.
Have a good funding mix. It is an advantage if you are able to attract several financiers or have several partners who contribute financially.
You won't qualify for funding if your project:
Develops or improves a website without substantial innovation in services, functions or processes that contribute to the mission of the Fund.
Only impacts a single company or person, is a purely B2B proposition, or involves product development for the benefit of a single company.
Deploys innovative technology without a clear social problem or demonstrable need within a clearly described target group (or 'technology in search of a problem').
Does not have a clear vision on privacy, security and responsible use of algorithms.
Involves sponsorship or an event.
Is a standalone media production such as a podcast or video (which are not part of a larger project and/or lacks a concrete plan for dissemination and use).
Has a religious or party-political objective.
Involves structural organisational costs, operating costs and salary costs that cannot be attributed to the project.
Does not involve the active and proactive sharing of results and knowledge.
Aimed at development of a teaching package.*
More information
Got a question about the call or about our procedures that isn't answered above? Check out our FAQs or get in touch!
*Although projects aimed at the development of teaching packages to support digital citizenship and/or digital skills align well with our Empowering Internet Users theme, we have paused our funding of such projects. Having supported many such projects in recent years, we felt it was appropriate to undertake a review. An impact assessment is currently being carried out, the findings of which will inform our future policy in this field. Pending the outcome of that process, we cannot consider funding applications for pioneering projects of the type described. We expect to complete the review by summer 2024.