Sena — Music Production Fund (MPF)

Sena is the Dutch collecting society for performers and producers, and it channels some of that money back into records being made. Its production fund contributes to the cost of a recording you plan to release: pre-production, studio and instrument hire, mixing, mastering, album artwork, liner notes, pressing CD, vinyl or USB, getting a release ready for digital distribution, and catering and accommodation during the sessions themselves.

Eligibility is narrow. You must be a professional performer or producer — at least 20 hours a week working in music — and registered with Sena; an incorrect or missing Sena number means automatic rejection. Performers can apply once every two calendar years, for a minimum of three tracks or a complete production. Producers can apply five times in two years, for five different acts.

Requests run from €1,000 to €3,000 and can never exceed 50% of the production budget, so the artist, management or other partners have to match whatever Sena puts in. Awards are exclusive of VAT, and the conditions refer to a loan portion of past awards that has to be repaid before a new application is possible.

Three rounds open each year. Applications are made online in Dutch, with the project budget and a funding plan showing how the rest is covered attached as a single PDF, and a decision follows within three months. Two obligations bite afterwards: you send Sena a copy of the finished release within two years or the grant can be reclaimed, and you agree to let Sena represent you worldwide for the rights arising from the funded recording.