Looking for ways to finance your non-profit organization? Public subsidies can be an attractive option, but they come with conditions you need to understand before making commitments. In this article, we explain how to navigate this landscape and what funding opportunities are available to you in Brussels.
Understanding public subsidies
What is a public subsidy?
A public subsidy is a financial aid paid by a public authority (European, federal, community, regional, provincial, municipal) to a legal entity to promote activities of general interest the organisation undertakes.
The financial aid can take the form of :
- a call for projects,
- a grant
- a bursary.
Generally speaking, public authorities are more inclined to finance specific projects rather than provide structural funding.
⚠️Please note, a non-profit organisation (NPO) should ideally be self-financing, only relying on subsidies as a supplement or additional source of funding.
Disadvantages of public funding
Applying for subsidies has several disadvantages, which it is important to be aware of beforehand:
- Knowledge of different competencies: you must address the appropriate public authority, as they cannot issue subsidies outside their field of competence. This requires a basic understanding of the responsibilities of municipalities, regions, etc.
- Slower administrative process: preparing an application takes time and may incur costs if you need assistance.
- Strict criteria: tere are eligibility criteria for certain subsidies. For example, a minimum number of years in operation or the requirement that the NPO has commercial activities.
- Fluctuating funds: subsidies often decrease from year to year.
- Political dependence: funding can be influenced by political developments.
Below, we've provided a non-exhaustive list of the main government bodies that offer subsidies.
Municipalities
The municipalities are responsible for providing financial aid in the following areas: sport, culture and tourism, international solidarity, the ecological transition, equal opportunities, citizen initiatives, etc.
Do keep an eye on the websites of the municipalities you operate in, as new calls for projects are added regularly.
Here are a few examples of subsidies: Dutch-speaking socio-cultural projects from Etterbeek, sports clubs from the City of Brussels, social cohesion projects from Anderlecht, etc.
The Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels Environment
Brussels Environment grants financial aid for sustainable development projects, whether in construction, sustainable business models, protection of nature, etc.
On their website, you'll find a list of grants, including the Inspirons le quartier call for projects for collective and sustainable citizen initiatives.
Brussels Economy and Employment
Every year, Brussels Economy and Employment issues calls for projects to help finance non-profits and organisations that contribute to the development of the economy, employment or urban agriculture.
When submitting your project, don't forget to check if you meet all the conditions (sometimes, your NPO may be required to have a commercial activity).
Innoviris
Every year, Innoviris opens several calls for projects for companies and non-profits with activities focused on innovation, research, science and AI promotion, etc.
Brussels Mobility
Brussels Mobility has set up a sustainable mobility bursary (investments such as bicycle parking, cargo bikes, etc.) for NPOs with commercial activities.
COCOF
COCOF grants subsidies and launches calls for projects in the following areas: health and well-being, culture, socio-cultural affairs, social cohesion, fighting discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, professional training, children, the non-profit sector, international relations and sport.
All information on subsidies is available on the COCOF website.
Be école
Although education falls under the remit of the communities, the Region (Be école) subsidises NPOs active in the fight against school drop-outs.
Iriscare
Iriscare is the Brussels organisation responsible for well-being and social protection. This covers topics such as mental health, the elderly and home care.
The calls for projects can be viewed on their website. They are intended to finance staff, operating and equipment costs.
Tourism cabinet
The Brussels Region has set up an "Image de Bruxelles" programme to subsidise events that help raise the profile of the region.
The Wallonia-Brussels Federation
The WBF provides financial support for the following areas: education, culture, ADEPS (sport), help for young people, scientific research, and community justice centres.
The SUBside platform brings together all subsidies and individual aid granted by the WBF.
The Houtman Fund (children and young people) and the platform for the promotion of citizenship and interculturality (multiculturalism and migration) also provide financial support for non-profits.
The federal government
We recommend that you visit the websites of the ministries and government agencies relevant to your NPO's sector of activity and/or your projects. Grants and calls for projects are regurlarly issued.
The European Union
The European Commission has a platform dedicated to calls for funding issued by European Union institutions and agencies. Subsidies are listed by theme (agriculture, environment, migration, education, justice, etc.).
CulturEU is the European Commission's platform for all calls for projects, grants and subsidies offered by European Union institutions and agencies aimed at the cultural and creative sectors.
Useful resources
Bela non-profit organisation
The NPO Bela offers services to support and promote authors in the fields of literature, audiovisual media, live performance and sound in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Bela has set up a platform compiling open calls for projects and grants in the creative sector.
Mon ASBL.be
The mon asbl website lists available funding by sector.