The start-up grant is intended to support initiatives to set up new Dutch (studies) programmes at higher education institutions outside the Dutch language area.

#Who can apply for this grant?

University institutions and colleges outside the Dutch language area.

#What is eligible for funding?

Sustainable initiatives aimed at

• developing new Dutch (studies) programmes
• expanding and enhancing existing Dutch (studies) programmes

The start-up grant cannot be used for initiatives:

• that are already receiving a start-up or emergency grant from the Taalunie at the time of application;
• that have previously been awarded a start-up grant, but which has been discontinued by the institution.

#What forms of support can the Taalunie offer?

The Taalunie can provide tailor-made start-up grants, if applicable in cooperation with the IVN. The options include, among others:

• support in discussions and negotiations with the institution's administration
• support in establishing new relevant contacts
• didactic and organisational advice
• financial support

An institution that does not yet offer Dutch (studies) programmes and is setting up a new programme with the start-up grant is not eligible for other subsidies from the Taalunie during the period of the start-up subsidy. This does not apply to an institution that is using the start-up subsidy to expand and enhance its existing Dutch (studies) programme.

#Conditions

The initiative must be sustainable, innovative and embedded in the educational programme of the university or college.

There is a strong commitment from the institution to continue the programme. The starting point is that the institution will continue the subsidised programme for at least as long as the start-up grant period, after the start-up grant period has ended.

Before the applicant submits an application, an exploratory meeting will be held with the Taalunie to discuss the initiative. The applicant sends an email to mijnnederlands@taalunie.org to schedule a meeting.

After the submission of the application file, a meeting will be organised between the Taalunie and the administration of the institution to discuss the application.

A start-up grant is temporary and can be allocated for a maximum of 4 years.

The application file must contain:

• a detailed description of the initiative, with emphasis on its scientific, educational and social added value;
• a positioning plan describing how the initiative will be embedded in the existing curriculum;
• an implementation plan describing the actions to be taken each year;
• a (multi-year) budget indicating the costs to be incurred each year to realise the actions in the implementation plan;
• a signed commitment from the institution to continue the initiative after the start-up subsidy period.

The applicant must use the start-up grant template for this purpose. The template provides guidance to help the applicant compile a complete application file.

Applications should preferably be submitted in Dutch. Applications in English will also be accepted.

The account number in the application file must belong to the institution (legal entity).

The general subsidy conditions of the Taalunie apply.

#Subsidy amount

The subsidy (in cash and/or in kind) and the subsidy period are determined on the basis of the application file and the unique situation of the institution.

In accordance with the approved application file, tailor-made agreements are made about the implementation and payment of the subsidy.

#Assessment

The application will be reviewed against the conditions set out above.

The application will be assessed by an advisory committee based on the following criteria:

• importance and uniqueness of the initiative;
• quality of the application file;
• long-term viability of the initiative.

#Procedure