Start up: How to start your Nordic project

Here you will find the information and documents you need for your application for project funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers. You can also read about how to get your project funds paid out once you have been granted support.

In order to be eligible for funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers, applicants must fill in a project description and account for their budget.

As a rule, we cannot accept spontaneous applications. All projects are conducted on the basis of political discussion in the various councils of ministers or committees of senior officials. Decisions on the allocation of funding are made by them or on the basis of application schemes/open calls.

Project description

The project description must include details of the purpose and objectives of the project. The description must also state how the project meets the Nordic Council of Ministers’ conditions for funding.

At the end of the document, you will find a guide on how to fill in the description, as well as tools for the wording and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ political priorities.

Scandinavian document:

English document:

Budget

You are also expected to provide a budget as an appendix to the project description. The document consists of three tabs, all of which must be completed: Budget, budget notes, and budget overview. Please note that the budget must be completed and later reported in Danish kroner (DKK). Further information is available in the document below, which features instructions for budgeting and project management. 

Scandinavian document:

English document:

Standard conditions for the Nordic Council of Ministers’ project contracts (in Scandinavian)

The standard terms and conditions attached to all contracts set out the responsibilities, obligations and rights of the administrative body responsible for the contract. They also cover the reporting and auditing requirements for the project and the procedure in the event of negligence or disputes.

Programme description

For multiple connected projects with a common goal, it may be more appropriate to combine them in one programme and to apply for project funding.

The programme description must include details of the purpose and objectives of the programme. You are also expected to state how the programme meets the Nordic Council of Ministers’ conditions for funding.

Scandinavian document:

English document:

Next steps

Once you have received a decision on funding for the initiative and completed the project description and budget, your contact at the Secretariat will set up login details for you. A link, guide to the project process, and manual for the project portal can be found here: