Prince Claus Fund
The Prince Claus Fund was founded on 6 September 1996 as a tribute to Prince Claus's dedication to culture and development. It was founded by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Development and the Prime Minister on the occasion of HRH Prince Claus’ 70th birthday[1]. The Fund states that culture is a basic need and the motor of development. Based on the principle that culture is a basic need, the Prince Claus Fund’s mission is to actively seek cultural cooperation founded on equality and trust, with partners of excellence, in spaces where resources and opportunities for cultural expression, creative production and research are limited and cultural heritage is threatened.[2]
The Prince Claus Fund supports artists, critical thinkers and cultural organisations in spaces where freedom of cultural expression is restricted by conflict, poverty, repression, marginalisation or taboos. Annually, the Fund grants eleven Prince Claus Awards to individuals and organisations for their outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development. The Fund also provides first aid to cultural heritage damaged by man-made or natural disaster.
The Fund has built a diverse global network of people, many of them role models in their own societies. This network of trust and mutual respect is the backbone of the Fund. Local partners and initiatives guide all the Fund’s work, following the conviction of Prince Claus that people are not being developed, but develop themselves.[1] Individuals and organizations cannot request funding themselves, the Prince Claus Fund selects artists and organisations who receive funding.
Over 2013-2015 [1] (results over 2016 have not yet been published) the fund supported 151 projects (total amount of funding 2.7 million Euro), and 108 Cultural Emergency Responses.
The Fund is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Postcode Lottery and individual donations. In 2015 the budget totalled 5,446,960 euro.[1]
The Prince Claus Fund’s total budget in 2015 was €5,446,960, of which €3,805,555 went toward the direct support of cultural initiatives and dedicated partners, primarily in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to the steadfast support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Postcode Lottery, €1,133,862 was raised through contributions from private donors.