Desenkadená (Tula Monument) on Curaçao, honouring the leader of the 1795 slave revolt on Curaçao, and the enslaved people who fought alongside him for freedom and dignity.
THE HAGUE--The first application period for a new category under the Subsidy Scheme for Social Initiatives Related to the Trans-Atlantic Slavery Legacy in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom opened on Monday, December 1.
Foundations and associations can now apply under Category 2, which supports small-scale social initiatives. Category 2 covers a wide range of projects connected to the history and legacy of slavery, including community events, educational projects, cultural and artistic expressions such as exhibitions and performances. All initiatives must directly benefit the descendants of enslaved people.
The available funding per application ranges from a minimum of US $10,000 to a maximum of US $ 25,000.
There will be two application periods for Category 2. The first period runs from December 1, 2025, at 09:00 CET until January 12, 2026, at 17:00 CET. The second period will open in early 2028.
The subsidy program is one of the measures announced following the apology issued by the Dutch Prime Minister on December 19, 2022, for the Netherlands’ role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. More than 29.3 million euros has been allocated specifically for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
In total, eight application rounds will be held over three years, covering four different subsidy categories. The funding aims to support projects that promote awareness, recognition, remembrance, and a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of slavery and its ongoing societal effects.
A dedicated website, Legacy to Future Funds, provides detailed information about the subsidy scheme and links to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment’s Implementation Office (UVB), which manages the program. Applications can be submitted through UVB’s subsidy portal.
Information on the subsidy rules and the registration process is available in Papiamentu, Papiamento, English, and Dutch.
