The British Council, in partnership with the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has officially opened applications for the 2026 Cultural Protection Fund (CPF). Established in 2016, this initiative is dedicated to safeguarding at-risk cultural heritage across specific global regions. Organisations are invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for grants valued up to £500,000. Please note that submitting an EOI is a mandatory first step, and only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
Grant Distribution and Funding Allocation
While all applications are evaluated on individual merit, funding is limited. The British Council expects to allocate approximately 27 awards:
- Large Grants: Around 7 awards for projects valued between £100,000 and £500,000.
- Small Grants: Around 20 awards for projects valued under £100,000.
Strategic Objectives & Eligibility
To qualify for funding, proposals must align with the three core strategic objectives of the fund:
- Heritage: Cultural heritage must be better understood, better prepared, and left in an improved condition.
- Society: Initiatives should foster stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient local communities.
- Economy: Funded projects must generate increased economic opportunities and tangible benefits for local people and places.
Eligibility Criteria & Target Countries
- Lead Organisation: Every project must be submitted by a single lead organisation. While the lead applicant can be registered anywhere in the world, the project must include partner organizations registered within the target countries.
- Local Support: All applications must present clear evidence of local demand and community support for the proposed activities.
- Participating Target Countries: The 2026 cycle is specifically looking for projects protecting cultural heritage at risk in the following countries:
- Africa & Middle East: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen.
- Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan.
Key Deadlines & Timeline
- Applications Open: Active
- Online Information Session: Monday, 1 July 2026 (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM BST)
- Expressions of Interest Deadline: Monday, 20 July 2026 (23:59 BST)
- Full Application Deadline: Friday, 28 August 2026 (23:59 BST)
- Project Start Date: December 2026
- Project End Date: By 31 January 2029
How to apply?
For complete details, guidelines, and access to the application portal, please visit the official website:
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https://cultural-protection-fund.britishcouncil.org/2026-funding-round
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
