Apply for development funding

A development project funded through this scheme must aim to create the foundation for more and/or better music therapy practice.

The initiatives being developed may also be linked to other music-based health and development practices.

All participants in the Polyfon cluster may apply for development funding.

Applications may involve collaboration with other cluster participants and with master's or PhD projects.

Collaboration with external partners is also encouraged. However, the project leader must be employed by a Polyfon cluster participant.

Evidence, guidelines, user needs and socio-economic considerations all indicate a need to expand and strengthen the quality of music therapy in health and social care services, as well as in educational settings such as kindergartens and schools.

You may apply for funding for:

• development projects that strengthen the scope and/or quality of practice and services. Examples include projects that aim to identify needs, explore user experiences, build collaborative networks, develop and document methods, and/or prepare plans for the implementation and quality assurance of music therapy
• the operation and implementation of a focused development project, including remuneration for resource persons contributing to the project. The scheme is not intended to fund the establishment of services or practice provision
• projects that are linked to applications for research funding and/or dissemination funding

The review committee assesses applications according to the following guidelines:

• the project must support the objectives of the scheme
• project quality is a key assessment criterion, although applications are also considered in relation to regional distribution and the cluster’s strategy
• development projects should take account of existing knowledge about music therapy, in addition to local needs and user preferences
• applications must show how user involvement will be facilitated wherever possible and relevant
• collaboration with other cluster participants and with master's or PhD projects is encouraged. Where such collaboration is proposed, a statement from the collaborating partner and/or a supplementary application explicitly describing the collaboration must be provided
• applications must be formally and professionally anchored within the relevant cluster participant organisation and approved by its management

Applications must be submitted through the online application form.

The application must include:

• a summary of the project (50–200 words). If funding is awarded, this summary will be published on Polyfon’s website
• contact details for the project contact person (name, position, telephone number and email address)
• the responsible cluster participant and any collaborators within or outside the cluster
• details of the applicant’s immediate manager (name, telephone number and email address)
• the title of the development project
• a brief description of the needs, challenges and/or opportunities that form the basis of the project (maximum 100 words)
• a short description of the intended outcomes and seed-funding potential (maximum 100 words)
• a project description (maximum 1,600 words)
• literature and references (no word limit)
• an implementation timeline (maximum 100 words)
• the amount requested and budget details
• information on whether:
  • the project has previously received Polyfon funding
  • research or dissemination funding has been sought for the same or a related project
• dissemination plans (maximum 100 words)

In addition, applicants must upload an email from their immediate manager confirming approval of the application. See Economy and organisational anchoring below for further information.

The funding amount requested must be between NOK 20,000 and NOK 150,000. Information about the total funding available will be announced well in advance of each application deadline.

Applications must be approved by the management of the relevant cluster participant. As part of the online application process, applicants must upload an email confirming that the specific application has been approved and that the cluster participant accepts responsibility for ensuring that any issues relating to data protection and ethics are appropriately addressed.

If funding is awarded, the grant will be paid to the applicant’s cluster participant organisation, which will be responsible for administering the funds.

Project leaders are encouraged to keep Polyfon informed about the outcomes of development projects and to share reports and experiences with other cluster participants.

Recipients are also invited to present their experiences at relevant seminars and future Polyfon conferences. To stay informed about upcoming events, subscribe to Polyfon-nytt.