Subsidy Scheme Sectoral Partnerships

Are you a company in the Netherlands interested in focussing more on international Responsible Business Conduct (RBC)? If so, the Sectoral Partnerships subsidy scheme helps you identify and address RBC risks and misconduct, together with companies and organisations within your sector. For example, in the field of human rights, labour rights and the environment.

The subsidy scheme has 2 pillars:

Pillar 1: Sectoral Partnerships

Pillar 1 makes it easier to comply with the OECD guidelines.

The subsidy scheme supports partnerships established in the Netherlands in completing 1 or more of the 6 stages of the due diligence process under the OECD guidelines. This way, you can make your value chains more sustainable.

Pillar 2: RBC covenants for civic organisations

Pillar 2 provides financial help to civic organisations (such as NGOs) for their activities under current RBC covenants (in Dutch). This way, you can continue to carry out these activities until 2026. Pillar 2 is the continuation of Pillar 2 of the Fund for Responsible Business (FVO) Partnerships.

What are the conditions for the Subsidy Scheme Sectoral Partnerships?

You can apply for the Sectoral Partnerships Pillar 1 subsidy together with at least 1 other company within your sector, and 1 civil organisations. In addition:

• the companies in the partnership are active in a value chain that has a link with the Dutch market. You undertake these activities mainly in the Netherlands or primarily focus on the Netherlands. Your value chain also has a link with one or more countries on the DAC List of ODA Recipients.
• your sector is a high risk sector (in Dutch)
• the project complies with the guidelines for responsible business conduct

Read more about the terms and conditions for Pillar 1 on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

You can apply for the Sectoral Partnerships Pillar 2 subsidy if you require a supplement to and support for the RBC covenants that remain in force after the closure of the FVO pillar 2 subsidy scheme on 1 January 2023. In addition:

• your activities contribute to achieving the objectives under the RBC covenant.

Read more about the terms and conditions for Pillar 2 on the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO, in Dutch).

How to apply?

You can apply for the Subsidy Scheme Sectoral Partnerships Pillar 1 (English) from 1 October 2024, 9:00 hours until 30 June 2025, 12:00 hours to RVO.

You can apply for the Subsidy Scheme Sectoral Partnerships Pillar 2 (in Dutch) from 1 October 2024, 9:00 hours until 30 June 2025, 12:00 hours to RVO.