In September 2026, owners can apply for a subsidy for the restoration of their
monument. The scheme is opened from 1 up to and including 30 September 2026 and
has a non-recurring budget of US$ 1.1 million. The National Restoration Fund is
making these funds available. With this pilot, the Ministry of Education, Culture and
Science (OCW) gains practical experience for future monument management in the
region.
In the European Netherlands there have been subsidy schemes for monument owners for
quite some time, but not yet in the Caribbean Netherlands. And that whilst the need for it is
considerable on the islands. Owners of monuments in the Caribbean Netherlands are dealing
with high maintenance costs due to the island location, scarcity of specialist materials, and
high transport costs.
Large maintenance and restoration
The subsidy scheme is implemented by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
(RCE). The scheme focuses on private owners of residential monuments that are in need of
(large) maintenance or restoration on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
The preservation costs eligible for subsidy must exceed US$ 25,000 and are subsidised up to
US$100,000.
Monuments (historical buildings older than 50 years) without protected status are also eligible
for subsidy. It regards buildings that are of general importance due to their beauty, artistic
value, or historical meaning.
More information and application form
The scheme is opened from 1 up to and including 30 September 2026. It is only possible to
apply for subsidy during this period.
