The subsidy scheme 'International Adoptee Interest Organizations' explained
One of INEA's goals is to sustainably promote and strengthen connections, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the current adoption field. Interest groups for intercountry adoptees are valuable partners for INEA because of their expertise, experience and network in specific countries of origin. Particularly when it comes to support in carrying out searches in countries of origin, they have a wealth of knowledge and know-how. The Ministry of Justice and Security has made financial resources available for these organizations in the form of the subsidy scheme 'International Adoptee Interest Organizations' (hereinafter: the subsidy scheme). But how did this subsidy scheme come about and how do you apply for a subsidy?
Why a subsidy scheme?
A large group of international adoptees has been left out in the cold for a long time. Abuses came to light that made searches for and issues surrounding distance, adoption and identity complicated or impossible. In addition, adoptees have different questions and needs at different times in their lives. With the arrival of INEA, we want to ensure that intercountry adoptees and their families are seen and heard at all stages of life regarding questions about distance, adoption and identity.
The current support offering is fragmented; There are interest groups that differ in size, offering, approach and professionalism. The subsidy scheme was created to sustainably promote and strengthen the current support offered by interest groups. The ministry has consciously chosen not to pay individual compensation to adoptees in the Netherlands. One of the reasons is that general support and the creation of an improved infrastructure contributes more to assisting the broad target group of intercountry adoptees than providing uniform individual benefits to the entire group.
The subsidy scheme explained
Based on the subsidy scheme, interest groups that work for intercountry adoptees can apply for a subsidy. Subsidies will only be provided to interest groups that have been registered with the Chamber of Commerce for more than 1 year at the time of the subsidy application. This period has been set in order to establish that the organization is actually committed to the target group.
Pursuant to Article 2, first paragraph, of the subsidy regulations, the Minister for Legal Protection may grant a subsidy to an interest group for activities:
- that increase the relevant expertise, knowledge or skills of the board members, employees or volunteers of the interest group;
- that increase the reputation of the interest group;
- which strengthens the support offered to intercountry adoptees;
- to support quests or roots journeys for a group of at least five intercountry adoptees.
The subsidy can be provided for two types of activities.
- The first category includes activities aimed at strengthening the organization (Article 2, first paragraph, under a and b). This allows an interest group to develop more strongly. For example, by developing activities aimed at training employees, board members or volunteers, increasing the reputation of the organization, or providing compensation for fixed costs. An amount of €10,000 is available per interest group per year as a subsidy for the aforementioned activities.
- The second category includes activities in which it is possible to provide support to a group of intercountry adoptees, or during a roots trip with several intercountry adoptees, that helps the entire group (Article 2, first paragraph, under c and d). An important goal of this subsidy is to sustainably improve and strengthen support during searches, as well as activities or services at an individual level. This could include deploying an interpreter, field worker or guide who helps during a trip to find the family of the group trip participants. Consideration may also be given to social guidance, the rental of a bus for the group and other general or umbrella costs that will benefit several attendees. The subsidy cannot be used to reimburse individual costs for searches. An interest group can apply for a maximum of €25,000 per project and per application period. The ministry will have to account for the expenditure of the subsidy and the implementation of the projects afterwards.
As an interest group, you may submit a subsidy application for both amounts. As an interest group, you can therefore claim a total of €35,000 through this subsidy scheme.
A total of €600,000 has been made available per application period. The minister distributes the available amount in the order in which complete applications are received.
The role of INEA
As stated earlier, one of INEA's objectives is to promote and strengthen connection, collaboration and knowledge sharing within the adoption field. A role has therefore been included for INEA within the subsidy scheme. In the event that a subsidy is requested for the activities under Article 2, first paragraph, under c and d, i.e. the subsidy amount of €25,000, interest groups will first submit their draft subsidy application to INEA. We will enter into discussions with the interest group and then provide the interest group with advice.
This position offers more insight into the total offering in the Netherlands and opportunities for strengthening mutual cooperation. The advice is intended to strengthen the content and quality of proposed plans where possible. For example, INEA can point to similar developments elsewhere. Further collaboration with the expertise center and/or other involved partners can also be proposed.
The subsidy application will be submitted to the ministry together with (1) the advice from INEA and (2) a description of how the applicant has taken or will take the advice into account in the activities. It is necessary to add advice from INEA to your subsidy application.
The subsidy scheme also requires that the interest groups and INEA present the project plans on their own websites and refer to each other if necessary.
It is important to note that an interest group INEA is expressly not asking for approval with this advice. Approval of the subsidy application is reserved for the Ministry of Justice and Security.
More information
Do you, as an interest group, want to claim a subsidy? Then download the application form and complete it. We understand that applying for the subsidy can be complicated. If you would like additional information or support with your subsidy application, please contact INEA
The subsidy scheme and the full general explanation can be read in the Government Gazette .