The Netherland-America Foundation (NAF) funds professional artistic and cultural projects that demonstrate a clear exchange between Dutch and American artists, institutions, or audiences. Projects may include exhibitions, performances, or other cultural initiatives that promote dialogue and collaboration. Both emerging artists and established organizations are welcome to apply for funding.

 Grant amounts typically do not exceed $5,000, depending on the scope and impact of the project. Higher amounts can be awarded depending on the availability of our budget.

The Cultural Grant Program does not support applicants who are not working professionals in the cultural sector, applicants who apply for funds to attend a seminar, or applicants who apply for tuition expenses for a degree program. Additionally, proposals requesting funds towards residencies or research are not accepted. If you apply for funding for a project that does not represent a Dutch-American connection, your application will not be forwarded to the selection committee.

To best help the committee make decisions, please include visual elements when relevant.

The Cultural Committee meets four times per year to assess applications. You can submit either a letter of intent or full application. Please submit your letter and budget in English. Cover letters can be addressed to the NAF Cultural Committee.

What's the difference between a letter of intent and application?

• A letter of intent is encouraged if the project is at least 9 months or more away from the projected start date.  It is not a mandatory step in the application process. If the Cultural Committee is interested in the project, the applicant will be invited to submit a full grant application, but this will not guarantee an award.
• Applications must be submitted at least 6 months before the grant is needed to ensure proper consideration. Proposals for projects that are already underway, or have been concluded at the time of the review, are not funded. Organizations or individuals who have recently received funding should wait three years before re-applying.

Deadlines

• February 1

Submissions considered when submitted between November 2 - February 1. Results provided in mid-March.

• May 1

Submissions considered when submitted between February 2 - May 1. Results provided in mid-June.

• August 1

Submissions considered when submitted between May 2 - August 1. Results provided in mid-September.

• November 1

Submissions considered when submitted between August 2 and November 1. Results provided in mid-December.

The Dutch2USA Internship Program supports ambitious students enrolled in Dutch HBO and WO institutions who are pursuing internships in the United States. The program offers support to deserving and eligible students to intern in the United States. Over 200 students have received support from the Dutch2USA grant and have gained a life-changing experience and a kick-start to their careers.

This application process takes approximately 15–30 minutes to complete. You can save your application at any time and continue later.

To qualify for an award, the following minimum requirements apply:

• You must be 20 years or older when starting your internship
• You are studying at, or a recent graduate of, a Dutch college or university (HBO or WO); if a recent graduate, your internship start date must be no more than 1 year after your graduation date due to visa guidelines
• When the following applies to you: You hold Dutch citizenship or you legally reside in the Netherlands with a valid Dutch residence permit, and have attended at least 2 years of high school in the Netherlands (MAVO, HAVO, VWO, or gymnasium).
• You can provide proof in your application that you currently receive, or have previously received, a supplementary grant (aanvullende beurs) from DUO.
• Your grade average is at least 7.0/10.0
• Your knowledge of English is sufficient

Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee acceptance to this program and final decisions are made by an independent internship selection committee.

The Ottho G. Heldring Cultural Internship Grant, in memory of NAF Board Member Ottho Heldring, intends to assist students in the arts by providing funding for an internship abroad. Selected candidates will receive an award of $5,000.

Eligible applicants are either Dutch students with a cultural internship lined up in the United States, or American students with a cultural internship lined up in the Netherlands. A cultural internship may be at a museum, arts organization, publishing company, architecture firm, or anything else related to the arts and humanities. Candidates should apply with an internship already secured.

The documents required for upload in this application are proof of internship placement, CV, and most recent grades list/transcript. Please submit your full application in English.

Eligibility criteria:

• Candidates should be current students at the undergraduate or graduate levels OR graduated no more than one year ago from a bachelor's or master's program
• Candidates must show proof of internship offer in the application, such as an offer letter or written confirmation
• The opportunity must be a working internship and not a study abroad semester or educational program
• If the candidate has already received funding from the NAF (grant/loan), they are ineligible for consideration

For any questions, please email Maggie Maloney at mmaloney@thenaf.org.