DNB is setting up a special fund with Prince Bernhard Cultuurfonds after apologies for slavery in the past

DNB also makes one-off contributions to major projects. This step follows DNB President Klaas Knot’s apology during Keti Koti last July for DNB’s involvement in transatlantic slavery in the 19th century.

Long-term collaboration Prince Bernhard Culture Fund

For the DNB fund, which will be active for the next ten years, DNB and the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund will work closely together. The Culture Fund has been active for decades in the Caribbean, Suriname and the Netherlands and supports initiatives that contribute to processing the colonial past and to an inclusive future. The Cultuurfonds also has a long tradition of managing specific named funds.

Over the next ten years, the DNB fund has a total of EUR 5 million to distribute. This is a ‘named fund’ tailor-made for DNB, whereby DNB uses the knowledge, skills and experience of the Cultuurfonds and the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribbean Area (PBCCG) to allocate financing to projects.

This DNB fund focuses on smaller, local initiatives. Examples include foundations, citizens’ initiatives and individuals with projects that have the potential to contribute to improving the living conditions of descendants, where transatlantic slavery has created arrears. Local representatives are involved in decision-making on projects. If desired, they can receive support from the Cultuurfonds in submitting a proposal.

The aim is to open this DNB fund before the summer via the Culture Fund’s website. Applications will be reviewed and funding will be awarded from September.

More information can be found on the DNB website.