This paper analyzes the role played by two foundations financed by the Dutch and Flemish governments (the Nederlands Letterenfonds and Flanders Literature) in the circulation of Dutch-language literature in Italy. First, the importance of translation policy in the transfer from peripheral literatures will be illustrated by analyzing the ‘centre-periphery’ model developed by Johan Heilbron and the analysis of the international translation market carried out by Gisèle Sapiro. The emphasis will subsequently be placed on the importance of cultural mediation through an overview of the translators and intellectuals who facilitated the circulation of Dutch-language literature in Italy in the 20th century. Indeed, the empirical data relating to literary genres and publishers subsidized by foundations demonstrate their key role in consolidating and disseminating Dutch-language literature in Italy.