Many cultural initiatives in Rotterdam originate from the neighbourhoods. They are resourceful, make an impact, and reach communities that large institutions often do not naturally reach. Yet it is precisely these grassroots initiative leaders who get stuck when professionalisation is needed. With Culture Capital Fund (CCF), a new development fund is emerging that aims to make a difference right there.
We spoke with Gordon Sana, director of Culture Capital Fund, about the origins of the new fund and how they help grassroots initiative leaders build towards independence, with financial support and professional guidance.
Born from within
Founder Gordon has been active in the cultural sector for fifteen years. “My father was a musician, and creativity has always played a major role in my life. From music to events and working at cultural organisations. During that time, I got to know the sector from many different angles.” Over the past five years, one question increasingly occupied his mind: how do we create a more level playing field in the cultural sector?
That question turned out to resonate more broadly. In 2023, the City of Rotterdam organised a congress for the cultural sector, where makers and organisations were asked to think along about the future of the city and the allocation of resources. One of the most important signals: there is a need for a more accessible, more independent fund that is closer to the practice of makers.
Gordon was table chair during these conversations and guided the process from the very beginning. “At some point it became clear: if we take this seriously, we actually have to do it.” In 2024, Culture Capital Fund was officially established.
Why Culture Capital Fund was founded
The cultural sector has many players: large institutions, medium-sized organisations, and beneath them a broad layer of grassroots initiative leaders. “That last group often falls through the cracks,” Gordon explains. “They make enormous impact, but have less access to structural funding, knowledge, and networks.”
Culture Capital Fund was founded to support precisely these initiative leaders — not only with capital, but also with guidance. The goal is for them to eventually operate independently, sustainably, and self-sufficiently, without remaining dependent on the subsidy landscape.
“It's not just about more resources for us,” says Gordon. “It's about initiative leaders better understanding what playing field they're entering, what value they bring, and how they can operate more strongly within it.”
For the grassroots of Rotterdam
Culture Capital Fund focuses on grassroots initiative leaders and community builders in Rotterdam. These are often young organisers from the neighbourhoods who set up activities for local communities, subcultures, or specific target groups — from cultural events and nightlife concepts to talent development programmes.
They are creative and resourceful, but often work without professional support. “There is no shortage of creativity,” says Gordon. “What is often missing is guidance in professionalisation: legal structures, organisation, financing, and positioning.”
CCF deliberately works with a limited number of participants per year. This creates room for intensive guidance and tailored support, allowing initiative leaders to take real steps towards independence.
“We don't just give you the fish, but also the rod and teach you how to fish.”
More than funding: an incubator for cultural entrepreneurs
Culture Capital Fund is not a traditional subsidy fund, but a development fund and incubator in one. Funding is combined with an intensive guidance programme, focused on both personal development and entrepreneurship.
“We don't just give money,” says Gordon. “We bring knowledge and capital together. We don't just give you the fish, but also the rod and teach you how to fish.”
In its first year, CCF guides 10 to 12 initiative leaders. The quality of the programme comes first, so that each participant receives sufficient attention and support.
The development programme in three phases
Phase 1 - Start & Coaching (approx. 4 weeks)
The programme starts with an intensive bootcamp abroad; the first edition takes place in Barcelona. Participants are deliberately taken out of their daily environment to work with focus on their personal role and vision.
Together with coaches and psychologists, they explore who they are as initiative leaders, what they stand for, and what their strengths are. At the same time, the business model is refined: target group, value proposition, and channels.
Phase 2 - Experiment & Application (approx. 6-8 weeks)
In this phase, participants work with partners on legal, organisational, and marketing aspects. They structure their organisation, professionalise their working methods, and learn how to effectively position their proposition in the market.
Phase 3 - Reflection & Growth (approx. 4 weeks)
Participants reflect together with their coach on impact, lessons learned, and next steps. Where possible, they are connected to new partners or funders.
Even after the programme ends, CCF remains involved with individual, hands-on coaching.
After the programme: moving forward stronger and more independently
Upon completion, participants have a clear positioning, a refined revenue model, and a stronger organisational foundation. They can better articulate their value, collaborate more equally with municipalities, funds, and institutions, and are less dependent on subsidies.
The goal of Culture Capital Fund is not a finished project, but sustainable independence and ownership, so that what is being built now continues to hold value in the long term.
Apply for Culture Capital Fund
From 22 February, Rotterdam-based cultural initiative leaders can register for participation in Culture Capital Fund.
The selection focuses not only on the plan, but above all on potential, motivation, and willingness to actively participate in the development programme. CCF is looking for initiative leaders who want to invest in themselves, their organisation, and their future.
Want to learn more or submit an application directly? Visit the page here www.findnfund.com/funders/culture-capital-fund
