Subsidy Scheme Iepen Mienskipsfûns

By project GOCORE

Published on 19 March 2024

Netherlands

Friesland (NL)

About this good practice

The introduction of the Iepen Mienskipsfûns (IMF) in Fryslân was a response to the fragmentation of smaller funds within the province, each with its own specific purpose. The goal was to consolidate these funds into one comprehensive fund to support initiatives for the benefit of Frisian residents and non-profit organisations. The IMF expanded the scope of support beyond the existing purposes, making it more inclusive and user-friendly. The fund operates within the five regions of the province, with each region allocated a budget based on its population. Annually, two tender periods allow groups and non-profit organizations to apply for up to 30% subsidy of their total budget, capped at €50,000. Up front there are easy to approach regional consultants who take a look at the plans and give advice on how to improve their plans and their application. Ideally, this takes place before the final application. Sometimes citizens just need advice and not money. An advisory committee consisting of residents from each region, gives a final judgement. These committees have the ultimate authority in approving initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulations and legislation. The IMF's structured approach enhances transparency and accountability in funding allocation, ultimately benefiting the diverse stakeholders and communities of Fryslân.

Resources needed

Each year, 2,5 million euros is divided among five regions. Initiatives can seek up to 30% subsidy of their budget, capped at €50,000 euros. Projects are categorized as either small (up to €10,000 euros) or big (€10,001 to €50,000 euros). Total funding over four years is 4 million euros

Evidence of success

Over the past four years, the IMF has received over 600 applications annually. Every €1 invested has a return of €5.In total more than 250.000 hours of voluntary work were put into the projects.The involvement of an advisory committee with local citizens has been proven effective, with members serving as IMF ambassadors and possessing in-depth knowledge of the region and the fund. Moreover, the financial justification for projects is easily accessible and is based on a high level of trust.

Potential for learning or transfer

In general, having a subsidy scheme that is very flexible, integrated along multiple policy fields and supports bottom-up initiatives, is very recommendable. Project applications can receive funding as long as they contribute to the local community.

Elements that could be transferred to other regions are:
1. Regional consultants – Each Frisian region has a regional consultant who are easy accessible helping citizens with their application or improve their plans.
2. Regional advisory committees consisting of residents of the region who score the application on pre-defined criteria in a transparant way. Applications with the highest average score, receive subsidy.
3. Integrated Approach– Applicants value the fact that IMF covers multiple policy themes, so they do not have to deal with all different funding schemes and silo's that can exist in governmental organisations.
4. Learning by Doing – The Province continually seeks to improve the fund.