The Ministers for Nordic Co-operation holds the overall responsibility of the program, while the Nordic Advisory Committee for the Arctic (NRKA) has the responsibility to grant project funding based on a recommendation from the secretariat. 

The secretariat is shared between NAPA – The Nordic Institute of Greenland (administration and counselling), and Ilisimatusarfik (professional assessment of applications). 

Assessment process 

• The application is sent via the digital application system at NAPA. Only digital applications are assessed. It is not possible to send applications via email.

• The application is assessed by an evaluation board from Ilisimatusarfik, who prepare a written evaluation on the background of their relevant professional competences within the field of subject. 

• All project applications are assessed by the Nordic Advisory Committee for the Arctic (NRKA) and recommended for decision to the Nordic Council of Ministers. 

• A final response is expected six months after application deadline.

If your project is funded

• Approved projects are asked to sign a contract.

• For approved projects the funding is paid in installments: 

• • By signing the contract 75 % is paid 

• • By sending in report the final 25 % is paid 

• Reporting must happen 3 months after the project is finalized. 

Professional assessment of applications 

Ilisimatusarfik / University of Greenland puts together the expert group with a broad, professional knowledge of the Arctic area consisting of: 

Six researchers with a PhD degree who together, as a minimum, cover the following Arctic research areas: 

• Arctic cultural and linguistic research 

• Arctic scientific research, including health and climate research 

• Arctic economic and social science research 

• Arctic engineering and technology research 

Four non-researchers who together, as a minimum, cover the following areas: 

• Arctic business and entrepreneurship 

• The Arctic Cultural Area 

• Finance and project management 

An expert is able to cover several of the above areas, in both research and non-research.