“Competition for funding is tough, but the good news is that applicants who prepare well and submit a well-reasoned application can stand out and improve their chances of being granted Demos funding. In addition, we have around EUR 2.2 million to distribute this year, which is significantly more than last year. So it can really pay off to apply,” says Anne Malmström, funding advisor at Nordic Culture Point.
Decisions are made by an expert panel that, among other things, assesses how well the projects satisfy the Demos criteria and what benefits and impacts these partnerships are expected to generate.
Based on our experience from previous application rounds and assessments, in this article we highlight three factors that applicants should pay particular attention to. Naturally, a valid application must also satisfy all the other Demos criteria, so it’s important to carefully read the application requirements on the programme’s website.
1. A broad Nordic network
Nordic partnerships are at the heart of the Demos funding programme. It’s not enough simply to satisfy the formal requirement of the participation of three Nordic countries.
“A project that makes a difference brings together different types of stakeholders. Small and large organisations can work together and associations can form partnerships with municipalities or research institutes, for example,” Malmström explains.
Clear Nordic added value is generated by having a diverse network and partners who are engaged already at the application stage. This is added value comes in the form of new types of co-operation and impact. A well-composed network also lays the foundation for long-term co-operation.
2. A well-prepared project
In their assessment, the experts place great emphasis on what has been done before the application is submitted. For example, have pilot initiatives or needs assessments been carried out for the project? A strong project does not use funding for initial studies or brainstorming, but builds on conditions that have already been explored. This instills confidence and bolsters the sense of the project’s true potential.
“Thorough preparation is quickly apparent in an application. It shows that the partners have identified a genuine need, see concrete benefits, and are committed to working together. It’s also important to highlight the project’s long-term impact. With funding, the idea can be taken to the next level,” says Malmström.
3. A realistic and well-reasoned budget
A carefully prepared budget is based on a realistic assessment of the project costs, how these will be financed, and how co-funding is structured. Income and expenditure must balance, the budget must be drawn up in euros, and it’s important to use the mandatory budget template, which can be adapted to suit the needs of the project.
The budget cannot consist solely of Demos funding – at least 15 per cent must come from other sources, and additional co-funding is an advantage. Part of this may take the form of own contributions, such as voluntary work. The value of these contributions must be clearly justified.
A realistic and carefully prepared budget strengthens the credibility of the project. Don’t inflate the figures – asking for more funding than necessary does not improve the chances of your application being approved,” Malmström advises.
Impact is generated holistically
A broad and engaged network, thorough preparation, and a realistic budget together form the basis for projects that can create real impact in countries, organisations, and sectors. That’s why it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the requirements and evaluation criteria at the planning stage – this makes the application process easier and bolsters the impact of the project.
Finally, Anne Malmström shares one more tip:
“It’s wise to consider from the outset how the project takes into account sustainable development, gender equality, and the perspectives of children and young people. In this way, the project can demonstrate a natural link to the Nordic countries’ shared Vision 2030.”
Useful pages and materials:
Key basic information on criteria, objectives, and application windows: Demos funding programme website
Vision 2030, which Demos projects are expected to promote: The Nordic Region will become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world
News on Demos funding decisions for 2025: More competition for funding for civil society projects
List of projects that received Demos funding in 2025: Approved funding
Examples of Demos projects: The Nordic Pride Conference in the Faroe Islands gave voice to the smaller Prides
Guidelines for budgeting and the mandatory budget template: Create a good budget
Frequently asked questions about our funding programmes
Applications are to be submitted via the portal and may be completed in any Nordic language or in English: Explore the application portal