How does an idea take shape?

Turning an initial idea into a concrete initiative requires structured planning and clear objectives. Drafting a funding proposal is a key step in this journey, as it transforms the vision into a convincing and well-organised plan that can secure financial support.

Concept Note

Εven the most valuable idea needs to be clearly justified. We must explain what value this particular idea brings and what specific need or challenge it addresses. At the same time, we need to demonstrate its feasibility, i.e. that it can be implemented safely, consistently, and realistically. The idea should also align with broader goals – social, environmental, cultural, developmental, etc.

Funding Bodies

There are various funding bodies operating at different levels. At the national level, in Greece, options include NSRF, Regional Operational Programmes (ROP), or open calls from the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports. At the European level, there are programmes such as Creative Europe, Erasmus+, Horizon, Interreg, and others. In addition, both nationally and internationally, several foundations and public benefit institutions either launch specific open calls or accept proposals throughout the whole year.

We begin with the idea and the needs identified within our field. After going through our own internal development process, we seek the funding call that best aligns with our proposal and can meaningfully support its implementation.

Call Guidelines

How can we ensure that the call and our idea are a good match? Every funding call comes with extensive documentation, including instructions, templates, and required forms for preparing and submitting a proposal. It may seem obvious, but reading the guidelines carefully (Call Guidelines, Guidelines for Applicants, Programme Guide or Work Programme) is essential before taking any further steps. This often clears up many questions, especially regarding the eligibility, the evaluation criteria and submission process. Additionally, many funding bodies organise info sessions and online events where applicants can ask questions and receive real-time answers.

Consortium

Many national calls, but especially the international ones, require collaboration between multiple organisations from different countries. The experience, expertise, and interdisciplinary value each partner brings to the project are fundamental to a strong proposal. Open communication, transparency, and flexibility regarding what each partner contributes are essential for effective collaboration and clearly defined roles -both during the writing of the application and later in the implementation of the project. Typically, partner search begins within our existing network and expands according to the needs of the idea and the call.

Drafting the Application

It’s no coincidence that writing the application comes last. Without completing the previous steps, writing becomes a hollow exercise. Depending on the proposal and the maturity level of the idea and partnership, the time required varies. For a European funding application, it usually takes 1-2 months to write, revise, edit, and finalise the timeline and budget.

Calls – Challenges – Value

Preparing a funding application is a complex, time-consuming, and demanding process -and one that is rarely compensated. After navigating through all this “bureaucracy,” there is still a strong chance the proposal will not be approved. And even if it is, the project might not begin for several months. Nevertheless, without these efforts, much of what we see and experience in the cultural sector simply would not exist.