The aim of the Fund is to further the cultural cooperation between the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as the self-governing areas of the Faroe Islands, Greenland and the Åland Islands. The Fund supports cultural cooperation taking place both within and outside of the borders of the Nordic countries.

The Fund concerns itself with a wide range of art and culture-related areas, involving both professionals and amateurs. It supports activities characterised by quality, vision, accessibility, and variety, where both traditional and new ways of working can be developed. Contributions can be granted to, e.g. conferences, concerts, tours, exhibitions, festivals, general education, higher education and research. A project may be completed both within and outside of the Nordic countries.

In order for a project to qualify for support, it must be seen to offer an added Nordic value. This means that the activity achieves an extra dimension or benefits directly from the Nordic cooperation, as opposed to a strictly national set-up. The Fund’s contribution is primarily intended to cover the extra expenses caused by the Nordic cooperation.

The Fund considers a project to be ’Nordic’, if a minimum of three Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden) or self-governing areas (Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Åland Islands) are involved. This is the main criteria for whether or not a project is accepted.

The Fund gives priority to art and culture-related projects stimulating:

• the cooperation between new groups and participants,
• the exchange between associations and networks,
• activities involving children and teenagers,
• activities taking place in smaller towns and villages,
• new forms of expression and communication,
• increased understanding between the Nordic languages,
• increased awareness of the history of the Nordic countries, as well as the emergence of new traditions and contemporary cultural heritage,
• the discussion of the politics of art and culture.

The Fund does not support:

• activities already started before the Fund has had time to make its decision,
• technical equipment, repairs, construction work, etc.,
• running expenses of institutions,
• the production and publication of records/CDs,
• the production of computer games, feature films, short films, documentaries, TV fiction, or TV series,
• ordering music compositions,
• translation of fiction or non-fiction literature,
• private person's studies, further education, or research work,
• student exchange and school trips,
• sports events.

Private persons, associations/networks, organisations, as well as private and public institutions may apply for contributions. The applicant may live/work both inside and outside of the Nordic countries.

The Fund disburses a total of around 26-28 million Danish kroner (DKK) per year.

The subsidies are divided in two:

• up to 1300,000 DKK,
• 300,000-500,00 DKK.

Projects applying for max. DKK 300,000 will receive an answer in 6-10 weeks. Projects applying for more than DKK 300,000 will, however, only be able to expect an answer in 10-16 weeks.

First and foremost, the Fund provides part of the funding and usually contributes a maximum of 85 percent of the project’s total costs. The Fund does not support projects aiming for financial profit for the applicant. The project must be completed within two calendar years after the contribution has been granted.

Please note that the Fund only accepts web applications, which are submitted via the Fund’s website.

Application dates

Questions related to the application can be also directed to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia, Eha Vain, adviser, phone: +372 627 31 00, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .