Criteria 'Het Loket'

With this networking program, we are committed to helping small-scale, accessible, bottom-up projects initiated by residents, entrepreneurs and local organizations get off the ground," explains Tolhuistuin programmer Charlotte Verhoef. "They often know their own neighborhood best of all and know best what is needed. Young people play a crucial role in this. They decide which projects will receive funding. After all, it's their future that matters.

What kind of initiatives?

At 'Het Loket' you can submit a project, but there are a few things to watch out for. You can choose a 'small-scale' project with a budget between €500 and €2,500, or a larger initiative with a budget of more than €2,500 up to a maximum of €25,000. A total of 45 projects will be selected.

We want to involve as many people as possible in Amsterdam North in major changes for a greener and more sustainable city. The three big changes are:

1. Less use of fossil fuels and more use of solar, wind and water energy.

2. Promoting a circular economy, with less waste and more recycling.

3. Develop a city district more resilient to climate change by, for example, properly insulating homes and increasing biodiversity.

How will the money be distributed?

A group of young people, the Future Council, will assess the applications. Every six months, they will meet to decide which initiatives will be selected.

How will the money be distributed?

A group of young people, the Future Council, will evaluate the applications. Every six months they meet to decide which initiatives will be funded. On average, €45,000 is distributed per meeting. The initiatives are selected by this council, which also attends the decision meetings. A total of €172,500 is available for 45 initiatives, with a minimum of €500 and a maximum of €25,000 per project.

Apply

You can apply for a contribution by filling out the application form. Your project must meet certain requirements, such as contribute to at least one of the goals, reach the right target group, and be connective. See the list below, read it carefully before sending your application:

- The project contributes to at least one of the three goals of this program.
- The project manages to target the right audience.
- The project contributes to social cohesion or engagement with residents of Amsterdam North.
- Initiators of the project live in Amsterdam North or work with residents in North.
- The project takes place in Amsterdam-Noord.
- The total cost per project is between €500 and €25,000.
- Project initiators can receive funding from this fund a maximum of twice.
- Projects must be realized within 1.5 years.

- Applicant tells afterwards how it went. This can be in the form of a written text and/or a video and with a final budget including copies of receipts. In addition, you are expected to attend one of the open evenings. See below for all dates.

Need help?

If you need help applying, please contact vera.born@tolhuistuin.nl.

It is also possible to submit a video or presentation in lieu of an application form. Also contact Vera Born at vera.born@tolhuistuin.nl.

Next dates

Here are the dates of upcoming decision meetings:

June 18, 2024 | 1st open evening
25 September 2024 | 2nd decision meeting
19 November 2024 | 2nd open evening
18 January 2025 | 3rd decision meeting
19 March 2025 | closing evening

Part of Natuurgebied Noord

A few years ago we opened Natuurgebied Noord with the motto "Amsterdam-Noord is a nature area where people also live." After all, Noord is Amsterdam's greenest, most lively, species-rich and biodiverse landscape. It has more different species of plants than the National Park Texel Dunes, more different trees than the National Park de Hoge Veluwe, and the North Sea Canal is one of the most biodiverse waters of the Netherlands. With "Het Loket," we are building on the expeditions, programs and citizen surveys we have organized in recent years to learn about, protect and enhance urban nature in Noord.

Be sure to share the program with friends and neighbors and follow @tolhuistuin on Instagram for updates. Or sign up for Natuurgebied Noord newsletter here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This program is made possible by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The European Union (EU) wants to reduce economic disparities between European regions. Tolhuistuin's Loket is a part of this.