Bidragets

Bidraget, or bidragets in its possessive form, is a Swedish term used to describe financial support provided by governments, municipalities, foundations, or other organisations to individuals, groups, or projects. The concept covers a wide range of subsidies and contributions, including research grants, cultural subsidies, social benefits, and project funding.

Bidrag is the base noun meaning grant or contribution. Bidraget is its definite singular form, and bidragets is the genitive or possessive form used to indicate ownership, as in bidragets villkor (the grant’s conditions). The term is widely used in public administration as well as in private philanthropy.

Grants are typically awarded through public agencies, foundations, or other organisations. Eligibility criteria may consider merit, need, or alignment with policy goals, and the application process usually requires a project description, budget, and expected outcomes. Grant funding is often subject to reporting requirements and audits to ensure proper use of funds and achievement of stated objectives.

In practice, bidrag covers activities such as research funding, cultural support, and social initiatives. In Sweden and in broader European and international contexts, grants are a common instrument for advancing policy goals in science, culture, education, and development.

The concept is distinct from loans or taxation-based support. It is closely related to subsidies, allowances, and state aid, and plays a central role in how public and philanthropic actors allocate resources to worthy activities.