Step-by-step plan: Applying for a subsidy from the government

There are various types of subsidies and schemes. The Subsidies and schemes page has an overview of most subsidies and schemes for entrepreneurs. Filter by subject, region, or type of scheme to see which subsidy suits your project idea.

Most subsidy schemes have special application forms or documents. You can download these from the website of the organisation that manages the subsidy. Sometimes you need an eHerkenning tool to do this. This is a secure way to log on to the government organisation’s platform.

In your application, clearly describe your project plan in detail. If you explain and justify everything in your plan properly, you will have a better chance of receiving the grant.

After the government organisation has received your application, you will usually get a confirmation of receipt. This will state how long it will take to get a response to your application.

The Dutch government organisation or EU reviews your application. This results in a decision (beschikking) — positive or negative — or a letter with questions. What this means is explained below.

Positive decision: you receive a subsidy

This means that the organisation wants to spend money on your plan(s). The decision tells you, for example, how much money you can spend, and when you can spend it. But also how to record the costs. The decision also tells you how you will receive the amount. For some schemes, you can request an advance. You will then get part of the money in advance.

Grant decision: you will receive the subsidy retrospectively

Will you not get the money until after your project? You will usually receive a grant decision. With this, you can prove that you will receive the subsidy. This may be necessary to get a loan from a bank.

Negative decision; you will not receive a subsidy

The government decides that your project does not (sufficiently) meet the conditions for the scheme. But it can also happen that there is no more money left for the scheme.

You can object to a negative decision. The decision tells you how and by what date you can do so. Only object when you are sure you can convince the government of your case. Do not unnecessarily waste your effort.

Question Letter

The government organisation may need more information to evaluate your application. In a question letter they will ask you to provide additional information or explanations for your project.

Make sure you meet the deadline mentioned in the question letter. If you respond too late, you will not be given another opportunity.

Because you are receiving money from a government body, they will want to know what you do with that money. You must record all activities and expenditures in your records. Often there are guidelines you must meet. Comply with these guidelines, because the government will check them during your project. And you need them for your final declaration. Store all your project records, also from before you start the project.

Do you receive the subsidy after your project? Then the government organisation will determine the exact amount based on your final declaration. In this declaration, you make an overview of all costs, including the supporting documents. For example, invoices and bank statements.

So, you must have your records in order to make a final declaration.

This states the final subsidy amount you will receive. The government organisation bases this amount on your final declaration. Did you receive money during your project? And is that amount higher than your final declaration? Then you must pay back the remaining amount. Before the final decision is sent, the government organisation may pay you a monitoring visit. They will then check your project records. Sometimes they will ask some critical questions about the course of the project. Be prepared for this.

Please note: Even after the final decision, your project administration and final declaration may be checked.