Netherland-America Foundation Cultural Grants

The Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) Cultural Grants support exhibitions, performances and other cultural projects that strengthen artistic and intellectual exchange between the Netherlands and the United States. Both emerging artists and established organisations can apply. Grants usually range from $1,500 to $5,000, and larger amounts are possible when the budget allows. There are four deadlines a year; the next is 1 February 2027, for applications sent between 2 November and 1 February, with results in mid-March.

The key condition is a real Dutch-American connection: projects without one are not passed to the selection committee.

What the Grants Support

The programme funds professional artistic and cultural projects that show a clear exchange between Dutch and American artists, institutions or audiences. Examples include:

• An exhibition by a Dutch artist at a US venue, or by an American artist in the Netherlands
• A collaboration between Dutch and American artists or designers
• A performance, screening or public programme presented to audiences in the other country

What Is Not Funded

• Applicants who are not working professionals in the cultural sector
• Attendance at seminars, and tuition for degree programmes
• Residencies and research
• Projects that are already underway or completed
• Projects without a Dutch-American connection

Who Can Apply to the Netherland-America Foundation?

Professional artists and cultural organisations with a project linking the two countries. The programme welcomes both emerging artists and established organisations. Previous grantees must wait three years before applying again.

How to Apply

Apply at least six months before your project starts; the foundation asks that full applications be submitted five to six months ahead. Your application includes:

• A cover letter of one to two pages, summarising the project, the amount requested, the timeline, performance or exhibition dates, and the background of key participants
• A one-page budget in US dollars, itemising expenses, other funding sources and what the NAF grant would cover

After the Grant

All publications, programmes and publicity must credit the Netherland-America Foundation with its logo. Within three months of the project's completion, you submit a final report with photos and video that the NAF can use for promotion. No future application is considered until the report is in.

Tips for Applying

Make the exchange between the two countries the centre of your proposal, not a side note. Show confirmed partners, venues and dates where you can, and give a realistic budget with other funding sources, since the grant usually covers only part of the costs. Plan well ahead: because of the six-month rule, a project in the summer of 2027 should be submitted by the February deadline.

Planning Around the Deadlines

Because applications must arrive at least six months before a project starts, each deadline effectively covers projects in a later season. An exhibition opening in September 2027, for example, should be submitted by the 1 February or 1 May deadline. Work backwards from your opening date, and leave time to gather letters from partners and venues on both sides of the Atlantic. If a project is delayed, tell the foundation early. Keep copies of everything you send, as you will need the same figures for your final report.

Things to Consider

• Dutch-American link is essential.
• Apply six months before the project.
• No residencies or research.
• Next deadline: 1 February 2027.

Apply for a Grant

Planning a project between the Netherlands and the US?

Apply for an NAF Cultural Grant

Guidelines and the application are on the Netherland-America Foundation website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 4, 2026