Financial support for international conferences
When you plan an international multiday congress or conference in Rotterdam, there are financial support mechanisms available that can help you manage financial risks, cover upfront costs, and make your event more feasible.
Pre-financing & Guarantee Fund (VGF)
The Pre-Financing and Guarantee Fund (VGF) is an incentive fund established by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and parties from the conference industry. The VGF offers financial security to organisers of international, multi-day congresses in the Netherlands through two schemes:
- Pre-Financing scheme: covering start-up cost
- Provided as an interest-free loan, without further charges.
- Offers financial support in the start-up phase of the conference to cover the initial costs.
- Guarantee scheme: in case of disappointing visitor numbers
- Provided as guarantee, free of charge.
- Offers financial support by acting as a guarantor in the event of a loss resulting from disappointing participant numbers.
You can apply online for either scheme or both, with a maximum amount of €90,000 for each. We can also advice on the application process.
Funding for scientific meetings and consultations (WBO)
The Scientific Meetings and Consultations programme (WBO) of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) provides financial support for researchers who want to organise meetings or consultations in the Netherlands:
- Domains: earth sciences, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, life sciences, physics, and mathematics.
- Support available: up to €15,000 for scientific meetings and up to €2,400 for scientific consultations.
This scheme is upon application by your national representative.