The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) wants to show the Dutch public and the public in partner countries what is being achieved with collaborative efforts and expertise on global and local challenges with Dutch tax money. Visibility is not an end in itself, but a means to be accountable and to show the results of our efforts in the fields of development cooperation, human rights, and international trade.
General Principles
When you receive funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you are obliged to acknowledge the source of the funding in all your communication about the project.
- Transparency: Be clear about who is funding the project.
- Neutrality: The Ministry’s logo should be used to show partnership, but the content remains the responsibility of the implementing organisation.
- Consistency: Use the official 'Rijkshuisstijl' (Government of the Netherlands) logo.
Visual Identity (The Logo)
- The Logo: You must use the logo of the "Government of the Netherlands" (the blue ribbon and the name of the Ministry).
- Placement: The logo should be placed on all project-related materials, including:
- Websites and social media pages.
- Publications, brochures, and reports.
- Banners and signs at project sites.
- Audio-visual material (videos).
- Standard Phrase: If a logo cannot be used, use the phrase: "This project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands."
Digital Communication and Social Media
- Tags: When posting about the project on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn, please tag the Ministry or the local Dutch Embassy.
- Main account: @DutchMFA or @MinBZ.
Media and Press Releases
If you plan to issue a press release about a major milestone of the project, you must inform the Ministry (or the Embassy) at least two weeks in advance. This allows the Ministry to decide if they want to issue a joint statement or provide a quote from a Minister or Ambassador.
Disclaimer
For publications and websites, you must include a disclaimer. The standard text is:
"This [publication/website] was produced with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Its contents are the sole responsibility of [Organisation Name] and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry."
Exceptions (The 'Safety First' Rule)
Visibility is mandatory unless it poses a risk.
- Security: If showing the Dutch logo endangers the safety of your staff or the beneficiaries (for example, in sensitive human rights cases or high-conflict zones), you can request an exemption.
- Procedure: Discuss this with your contact person (the policy officer) at the Ministry before you start the project.