Most civil society organisations receive one or more subsidies. Subsidies are provided by a very diverse group of national and international subsidy providers: governments, bodies under public law, and (non) commercial organisations. Subsidy rules vary from one provider to another, are often complex and subject to constant changes. Prime examples are European subsidies such as ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and ESF (European social Fund), but there are also subsidies from the Dutch ministries of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) and Education and Community development (OC&W). In many cases it requires specific knowledge of subsidy rules. BDO is familiar with the world of subsidies and can relieve your organisation of any concerns regarding various issues on subsidies.

Subsidy application assistance

Many civil society organisation are missing out on subsidy funds. Insufficient knowledge of subsidy options or insufficient capacity to make the application are common reasons. If you would like to apply for subsidies but do not have enough knowledge in-house? BDO can help you draw up and submit subsidy applications.

Subsidy administration and subsidy accountability

Almost all subsidies require you to demonstrate accountability for the execution of the activities and legitimate spending of received subsidy funds. Subsidy conditions usually contain detailed stipulations for the legitimacy of the costs and rules that the (interim) subsidy accountability and subsidy administration must comply with.

In practice it often seems that unnecessary problems crop up regarding compliance with all the subsidy conditions. These problems sometimes occur because the subsidy provider did not give any clear guidelines in advance. This can lead to missing out on or repayment of (part of) the subsidy. Prior to the subsidy application BDO can help you? scrutinise all subsidy conditions so that any subsequent unpleasant surprises can be avoided. We can help you set up and structure the subsidy administration, so at any stage you will have all the relevant details in your records to demonstrate accountability. BDO can also help you keep your subsidy administration up-to-date or draw up subsidy accountability reports. Even if a subsidised project has already started, we can offer support and advice.

Subsidy audit report

In many cases the subsidy provider will require an independent external auditor to provide an audit certificate and/or report of his actual findings. The choice of accountant is an important one. Your accountant must be familiar with all relevant laws and regulations, audit protocols, used to working with deadlines and able to deliver on time.

BDO can help you with:

• support and advice on your subsidy application;
• your subsidy administration;
• guidance for drawing up a subsidy accountability report;
• drawing up a subsidy audit report.

Contact

If you would like to know how BDO can help your civil society organisation? Please contact one of our Civil Society Sector Group specialists on telephone number +31 30 284 98 00 to arrange a meeting without any obligation.