THE HAGUE – Starting Monday, foundations and community organizations across the islands can apply for new subsidies aimed at supporting small-scale social projects that promote healing and awareness of the trans-Atlantic slavery legacy. The initiative is part of the Maatschappelijke Initiatieven subsidy scheme, the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN) announced.
The newly introduced Category 2 focuses on local projects such as community events, educational programs, exhibitions and artistic expressions. According to RCN, all initiatives must directly benefit descendants of enslaved people.
Approved projects can receive between USD 10,000 and USD 25,000 per application. The first application window runs until January 12, 2026. A second application round will open in early 2028.
The subsidy program follows the formal apology issued in late 2022 by then–Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the Netherlands’ role in the slavery past. A total of €29.3 million has been allocated for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Over the next three years, eight application rounds will be held across four different subsidy categories.
More information and application links are available on the Legacy to Future Funds website, where details are provided in several languages.