The Nordic Council of Ministers has given both financial and intellectual support through its office in Estonia for civil servants, art and culture practitioners, non-governmental institutions, researchers and students, etc., for more than ten years. We help in sharing work practices, networking and building cooperation networks, and getting education.
Applying for a subsidy may seem to be complicated and sometimes you may hesitate to contact us because you are not sure if we’ll support your ideas. Here you’ll find feedback from some of the people who have successfully applied. Find inspiration from their experience!

My suggestion to other applicants – try to find a good contact in the destination country; one who could give good advice in project planning, thereby considering applicants’ needs and wishes.

Britt Tammiste, Estonian Ministry of Justice, Criminal Policy Department, adviser
We applied for funding at the Nordic Council of Ministers for a study visit to Denmark and Norway with the purpose of getting information about their criminal policy systems. We wanted to get ideas for solving concrete work tasks.
The application process wasn’t too much trouble. We had the most difficulties with planning the study visit so far in advance, including getting confirmation from our partner on the dates we suggested (ex. six month before the visit). It was also difficult to plan the expenses, especially when it came to air tickets because the prices were constantly changing. A cofinancer (self-financing) can find it important to pay for transport (a concrete expense), but it might be impossible to purchase the tickets for the same price as it was at the time of budget planning.
My suggestion to other applicants – try to find a good contact in the destination country; one who could give good advice in project planning, thereby considering applicants’ needs and wishes.

Despite the fact that several members of the project had visited the Nordic countries before, the value of the participation was meeting the colleagues, discussing the impressions as well as comparing the situation in Estonia and different counties.

Pille Liblik, Võru County Government, head of department
The purpose of the application was the Estonian Advisory Committee of Education Arrangement’s (heads of education in counties) joint study visit to Denmark and Finland to get acquainted with various aspects of education arrangement in the Nordic countries.
Since county governments currently have the most limited budgets in recent years, it probably would not have been possible to carry out these study visits without the subsidy. Despite the fact that several members of the project had visited the Nordic countries before, the value of the participation was meeting the colleagues, discussing the impressions as well as comparing the situation in Estonia and different counties. It wasn’t always to the disadvantage of Estonian education arrangement.
The application process wasn’t too difficult or too easy because we applied for funding at the last minute. But we got all the necessary help – advice in formalising the application, implementing the project and drafting the report.
My suggestion to other applicants would be not to be afraid of using the funding opportunities the Nordic Council of Ministers has to offer. Start project planning in time or even earlier. During project planning be realistic about the outcomes and don’t underestimate the added value at the end of the project.
In case we find possibilities for self-financing in the future we plan to write a follow-up project to other Nordic countries.

With the help of the subsidy we mostly found good contacts with different institutions and civil servants in the visited countries.

Kadi Katharina Viik, Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, Gender Equality Department, head of department
We had changed the department (some new people had joined) and wanted to get thoroughly acquainted with professional experience in gender equality policy in two countries. One country (Iceland) distinguished itself from others by very courageous family policy reforms. Due to these reforms many men decided to go on child care leave. The other country (Norway) has been successful in the fight against violence, among others paying attention to rehabilitation of violent persons to breaking the cycle of violence. One civil servant visited Sweden to learn about activities against human trafficking there. In addition to experience, we looked for contacts, and requested and received appropriate advice.
With the help of the subsidy we mostly found good contacts with different institutions and civil servants in the visited countries. We also got a good amount of inspiration on how to solve different problems, and these methods have given good and not so good results in other countries.
The Nordic countries are at the absolute top when it comes to gender equality and they have tested many innovative solutions.

We got in contact with several organisations with which we plan to arrange educator exchanges and maybe even write joint projects with the purpose of organising joint working groups.

Tuuliki Poom, Environmental Inspectorate, Personnel Department, senior specialist
Our purpose was to get in touch with environmental institutions in Denmark and Norway. We wished to learn more about their principles of development of human resources and differences compared to Estonia. We also hoped to establish good relations with these acknowledged specialists – to invite them to Estonia to educate specialists active in the same field.
Thanks to the subsidy we could visit environment institutions in two highly developed countries. We could get acquainted with their personnel policy and aspects of their environmental supervision. We got in contact with several organisations with which we plan to arrange educator exchanges and maybe even write joint projects with the purpose of organising joint working groups. It would help to enhance environmental supervision. In the framework of the current project we gathered several ideas that we plan to implement in the personnel policy of the Environmental Inspectorate.
Since we had a clear purpose, the application wasn’t very painstaking. Project planning was time-consuming because we didn’t have previous contact with either Danish or Norwegian environmental institutions. Thus, the most time-consuming aspect in the application process was finding appropriate contacts with whom we could work. Thereafter the project-writing went quite quickly. Madis Kanarbik, adviser at the Nordic Council of Ministers, was always very forthcoming in answering our questions and we got all the help we needed in project-writing.
I strongly advise others to apply as well, since it gives a great possibility to change practices and get new ideas. Surely we can’t take over their methods exactly as they are but we saw new ways of solving different problems and situations.
We intend to apply for several funding opportunities in the future since they give good opportunities for exchanging practical methods.

Applying can become complicated due to the requirement that at least two countries should be visited. That requires that the applicant find more contacts, make engagements, all in all a bigger project budget (incl. self-financing), etc.

Piia Tammpuu, Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, Social Policy Information and Analysis Department, head of department

We wished to exchange information and practices in social research, statistics and analyses with the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, as well as with the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) which belongs in the ministry’s area of government. Secondly we wanted to visit the Swedish Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Board of Health and Welfare, which also belongs to the ministry’s area of government.
The support enabled us to organise a study visit to Finland and Sweden. Both visits gave us interesting ideas for development projects as well as cooperation contacts. The study visit to Finland and STAKES was followed by a visit of Finnish experts to Estonia. We hope to continue our cooperation in the framework of concrete subjects and projects. On the whole, the determining factor is actually how well-organised the meetings are and how interested the hosts are in exchanging information. The preliminary work of substance of the meetings by the applicant is also decisive. The Nordic Council of Ministers’ support gives a chance to realise your project and ideas.
The application process was rather easy and when needed, there was help from advisers at the NCM office in Estonia. The process was also easier thanks to the previous application from colleagues. Applying can become complicated due to the requirement that at least two countries should be visited. That requires that the applicant find more contacts, make engagements, all in all a bigger project budget (incl. self-financing), etc. Formalising and submitting the application isn’t as complicated as finding contacts, making engagements, coordinating the programme with the hosts, receiving official approval letters, etc. On the other hand, compared to the European Social Fund’s application requirements and procedures, applying for funding and later reporting at the NCM seemed easy.
It is possible that we will apply for funding again – for example to continue our cooperation with existing contacts. I also suggest that others apply because the application process and later reporting are rather easy and the exchange of experience with the Nordic countries is generally inspiring.

The joint study visit significantly enhanced the working relations and improved the so-called group spirit. We also got important tips about how to coordinate better networking in the city, how to improve communication between different institutions as well as share rolls and responsibility.

Ketri Kupper, Pärnu City Government, chief specialist of drug prevention

We applied for funding with the purpose of network education – a group of 14 specialists attended a joint study visit to Sweden and Norway to get acquainted with prevention work there (drug prevention, rehabilitation of juvenile criminals).
The subsidy helped us very much! It significantly improved the cooperation of prevention specialists in Pärnu. The joint study visit significantly enhanced the working relations and improved the so-called group spirit. We also got important tips about how to coordinate better networking in the city, how to improve communication between different institutions as well as share rolls and responsibility.
Applying and the related procedures were surprisingly easy. Always when needed we received help from Madis Kanarbik. We received a quick answer after we handed in the application.
We have already given tips and recommendations. Interest in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ grant programmes has risen in Pärnu. We help with project drafting and so on.

I got inspirational, additional material for lectures at the Estonian Academy of Arts and courses of product development. Developed personal contacts with masters for future cooperation in, for example, organising workshops.

Kadri Viires, Estonian Academy of Arts, head of the Finno-Ugric Research Program

I wished to get acquainted with culture centres related to or important for Estonia, local museums as well as with the handicraft business network on the Aland Islands (the Archipelago Project). I visited different museums (art history aspect), galleries, and got acquainted with small enterprises dealing with art/handicraft, marketing and problems. I got inspirational, additional material for lectures at the Estonian Academy of Arts and courses of product development. Developed personal contacts with masters for future cooperation in, for example, organising workshops.
The application date was pronounced in good time and application was simple and understandable.
I suggest being informed about support opportunities and calls for application at the NCM. Cooperation has been very pleasant. I intend to apply again. Support for mobility is a very good option for goal-oriented visits. It doesn’t require too much bureaucracy and enables an educational visit to be carried out.

First and foremost the subsidy helped me to cover a magnificent part of the travel expenses and gave moral support for flying all alone to a far away country.

Pille Tammela, artist

I applied for funding for a culture visit to Iceland (visits to art exhibitions and the Viking festival, conclusion of culture contacts). First and foremost the subsidy helped me to cover a magnificent part of the travel expenses and gave moral support for flying all alone to a far away country.
I realised the impressions I received during the journey to a painting exhibition.
I most certainly intend to apply again in the future.
The application process required a thorough travel plan, which I had to make anyway – so applying wasn’t difficult. I suggest that other applicants think out their plans and try to apply for funding for cultural exchanges in the Nordic countries.

Be as particular as possible about the main purpose of the application and the advisers at the Nordic Council of Ministers will help to find people and institutions to contact, if needed. Don’t be afraid!

Kätlin Kaldmaa, book publisher

Firstly I applied because I wanted to visit a book fair in Gothenburg and after that to get more acquainted with Nordic culture. The subsidy was very helpful; otherwise I just wouldn’t have visited the fair.
New books have been published thanks to the journeys; I met very diverse and miscellaneous people with whom I intend to work in the future. The experience was priceless.
The application process has been made very simple and in case of problems you get all kinds of assistance. A daring beginning makes up half of the success. Be as particular as possible about the main purpose of the application and the advisers at the Nordic Council of Ministers will help to find people and institutions to contact, if needed. Don’t be afraid! People living in the Nordic countries are extremely active, open-minded and cooperative. Without fail I will apply again.

If one gets only half of the funding needed and there is no cofinancing marked in the application (except the personal contribution), it can be very complicated to implement the project with just half of the grant.

Kullar Viimne, filmmaker
I wanted to participate in a vocational festival and seminar. The subsidy was very helpful. On the other hand I ended up in a somewhat difficult situation because I got only half of the required funding. If one gets only half of the funding needed and there is no cofinancing marked in the application (except the personal contribution), it can be very complicated to implement the project with just half of the grant. But I understand that there were many applicants.
Applying was easy, required basic but important information. It is possible that I will apply again, although I don’t have any plans at the moment.
I personally had a very good experience with Norden.

At the same time I want to add that Norden is often able to make a substantive contribution and suggest new solutions, which you might not even see.

Kristo Tohver, NGO Black Nights Film Festival, executive director
We have received support for visits, NGOs, cultural projects, integration. Both in the fields of film and literature, working with the Nordic countries is very important. Due to a similar culture we have much in common and it is easy to learn from each other. Hence, Norden is an absolutely irreplaceable partner in obtaining experience and organising cooperation projects. At the same time I want to add that Norden is often able to make a substantive contribution and suggest new solutions, which you might not even see.
The application process is very humane and avoids excessive bureaucracy. It was almost a pleasure compared to applying for European funds. And in case I have had troubles, the Nordic Council of Ministers office in Estonia has always helped me in writing, by phone or even meeting me face to face, if needed.
The applicant has to be creative and understand exactly what is being funded and what the purposes of the grant are. If these requirements are fulfilled, it is easy to find subsidies for your project.
By any means I intend to apply again. This year even.

Our lesson was that if the partners are abroad, one has to deal with the confirmation letters in good time. It may take time and if it falls to the last minute, it’s very risky.

Kairi Talves, NGO ETNA in Estonia, chairperson
The purpose of the application was to extend the network of gender equality resource centres, mostly developing international cooperation contacts between Estonia and Sweden.
A group of five members visited Sweden where we got acquainted with cooperation networks and resource centres in the Skåne area. The funding was smaller than expected but this gave a more concentrated and focused result, I believe. The study visit resulted in knowledge of how a support system for women is established, how to develop business and creativity, democratic values; how to make the most of the potential of mankind and business and achieve the best results.
Applying wasn’t painstaking, but if the budget table is more precise (travel expenses: accommodation, tickets, etc.), it would have been easier to plan the budget. I didn’t need immediate assistance. I had a couple of questions which were answered by the advisers (who weren’t even responsible for that particular field) at the NCM office in Estonia – this was very positive.
Our lesson was that if the partners are abroad, one has to deal with the confirmation letters in good time. It may take time and if it falls to the last minute, it’s very risky.
Yes, I plan to apply again – the experience was very positive. It is difficult to get funding for gender equality activities in Estonia. I’m grateful that this subject is considered necessary.

The applicant has to have a very clear and accomplishable purpose. If so, it is never impossible to get support from a grant programme.

Erni Kask, actor and producer
I wanted to have support for seeing a (modern) dance performance in Denmark. Unfortunately just in the Aarhus area and for a very limited period.
The subsidy covered part of the travel expenses. Speaking of experience...I finally managed to see a piece from a producer suggested by my Danish friends, who have been interested in culture for years. In addition I saw in a couple of modern dance acts and mingled with some production authors. These kinds of contacts are very important since I have been one of the organisers of a modern dance festival (Notafe in Viljandi) for years and I’ve been the producer of a modern dance theatre set for the last couple of years (nu.unioon).
In addition to all this, the study visit educated me as a professional actor and creative person on a daily basis.
All in all, contrary to the opinion that has emerged in Estonia last year, I’m convinced that it is essential for actors and creative persons to travel, monitor people, creation and life itself despite the view that the world has become smaller. There’s no instrument to measure these experiences and probably never will be, but the more open creators are, the more open and diverse is their creation.
Applying wasn’t painstaking. Before I applied I contacted Eha Vain at the Nordic Council of Ministers office in Estonia and she encouraged me to apply. If there is a possibility, I’ll surely apply again – and for a longer visit next time.
The applicant has to have a very clear and accomplishable purpose. If so, it is never impossible to get support from a grant programme.