Cultural Promotion | Tips | Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Questions and answers on the topic of "cultural funding

Do you have questions about financial support for your project? No problem - nobody knows everything! That's why the Cultural Office has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions here.

If you need further advice, feel free to call us or send us an email.

Münsterland Cultural Office
© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina
Kulturbüro Münsterland
Münsterland Cultural Office

0049 2571 949300

Frequently asked questions

What support programmes are available?

Cultural practitioners from the Münsterland region can primarily apply for financial support from the state's Regional Cultural Policy funding programme, or for funding from the Münsterland Art and Culture Foundation. Other funding programmes, for example from the state of NRW, the federal government or the EU, can be found in the funding compass. The Kulturbüro will be happy to advise you on finding the right funding programme for your project.

What do I have to do for a grant?

You have to apply for all funding programmes. This often sounds more bureaucratic than it is, and the Cultural Office supports you in this process. And for many applicants, this process helps them to focus and become clear about the goals of the project. This also helps, for example, for later public relations work. So: the effort is definitely not in vain!
In addition, you have to report on your project again and again during the course of the project and towards the end. Of course, you also have to provide evidence that you have used the funds for the purposes intended in the application. But you also have to do this if you have sponsors.

How much money can I get?

That depends very much on the funding programme. Most programmes provide funding at a so-called "funding rate" of up to 50 percent. This means that if you estimate the total costs (100 per cent) for your project at 10,000 euros in your application, the funding programme can grant you a subsidy of up to 5,000 euros (50 per cent). You must then raise the rest yourself, for example through sponsorships, donations, entrance fees, etc. (This is called "own contribution"). (This is called the "own contribution").

What is a "personal contribution"?

Own contribution is the amount you have to raise for your project in addition to the grant from a funding programme. If the maximum funding rate of a funding programme is 50 percent, then you have to finance the other 50 percent of the project costs yourself. "Self" in this case does not mean that you have to raid your private bank account, but that you look for other possibilities, such as sponsorship, crowdfunding, donations, entrance fees, etc. It is important to estimate the costs realistically in advance so that in the end you do not lack the money for an extraordinary project.

How long does it take before I receive money after I have submitted an application?

This also depends on the respective funding programme. In most cases, there is an advisory board or jury that decides on the applications submitted. The applications are prepared beforehand and submitted to the jury for review. Between the application deadline and the jury meeting often a few weeks, sometimes even months, pass. In the case of a positive response, it can also take a few more weeks before you can claim the funding. It is best to ask the contact persons about their experience in the respective funding programme.

What do I do if my application is rejected?

A rejection can have various reasons, which cannot always be given to you. Often the reason is that the topic or focus of your project does not match the funding criteria of the programme. Do not be discouraged. There are various funding sources from which support is possible. Check these possibilities and, if necessary, submit another application. It is important not to try to "adapt" your project to a funding programme, but to find the right programme for your project. Stay true to yourself and your idea!

Can I apply for different funding with the same project?

Yes - and no. That also depends on the respective funding programme. Funding programmes are often mutually exclusive if they are directed at the same funding body. However, if your applications are directed at different funding levels, for example the municipality, the state of NRW and the federal government, this should not really be a problem. The Kulturbüro can help you find the right funding source.

How far along do I need to be with my project to apply for funding?

That depends on which funding programme you want to use. However, it is in the nature of things that the project should not yet be in the implementation phase. This is because it takes some time to process and approve the application. You also have to take into account the application deadlines, which for many programmes are only once a year. It therefore makes sense to include the idea of applying for funding in your considerations as early as possible - and to seek advice in good time.

Which aspects of a project are most promoted?

That depends very much on the funding programme. The Regional Cultural Policy programme, for example, considers it positive if you can win over as many cooperation partners as possible for a project. Because together and in a network, much more creative ideas often emerge than alone in a quiet room. Inform yourself well about the funding criteria of the respective programme and try to assess the chances of your project as objectively as possible. But be careful: you should not completely change your project or idea just to meet the criteria. Then you might lose your original idea.

Other topics