The Creative Industries Fund NL has launched an ambitious grant program aimed at (spatial) designers, inviting them to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and craft innovative spatial strategies that foster regenerative regions across the Netherlands. The program not only offers funding but also stresses inclusive teamwork and local engagement, with applications open until late October 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Up to 26 initial grants of €3,000 each available in the first phase
- Open to (spatial) designers forming coalitions with stakeholders such as communities, farmers, local authorities, and entrepreneurs
- Emphasis on regenerative design, diverse partnerships, and region-specific challenges
- Deadline for submitting applications: October 24, 2025
Program Overview And Objectives
The Regenerative Regions Grant Program is designed to encourage designers to use research by design approaches to address complex spatial challenges. The aim is to develop and test spatial strategies that revitalize regions both ecologically and socially. Proposals should demonstrate a thorough understanding of local issues, striving for impactful collaboration across sectors.
This initiative seeks to build stronger connections between spatial designers and a broad coalition of local actors—from government and community groups to entrepreneurs and specialists in fields like heritage, water, and nature management. The underlying hope is that multi-disciplinary, locally-adapted projects can provide scalable solutions for making regions more sustainable, resilient, and equitable.
Grant Application Process And Criteria
In the initial ‘canvas phase’, up to 26 promising applicants will each receive a €3,000 grant to develop their project ideas into comprehensive proposals. These proposals must highlight innovative strategies, clear roles among coalition members, and a deep awareness of the target region’s unique challenges.
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and clarity of problem analysis and research questions
- How projects build on or challenge existing knowledge in the field
- The quality and composition of collaborative partnerships
- The project’s potential contribution to regional diversity, social inclusion, and the advancement of regenerative practices
To apply, designers must serve as lead applicants, teaming up with at least one coalition partner who provides a letter of intent. A fully filled-out application form and a project canvas are also required. Collaborative involvement from local residents, cooperatives, educational or knowledge institutions, and businesses is not only encouraged but essential.
Focus On Diversity And Local Contexts
The program’s selection process aims for a diverse and representative mix of regions and challenges. Locally rooted partnerships with a wide range of voices and expertise are especially encouraged, recognizing that solutions to spatial and social regeneration differ according to the context and community.
Timeline And Next Steps
Submissions are accepted via the Creative Industries Fund NL’s online portal until October 24, 2025. The grant program encourages experimentation, learning, and broad participation as Dutch regions look toward regenerative futures through collaborative design.
