APPLY NOW: British Council Opens Applications for Cultural Protection Fund Grants of Up to £500,000

Organisations working to protect cultural heritage threatened by conflict, climate change, or environmental disasters now have an opportunity to secure funding of up to £500,000 through the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) 2026.

The funding programme, delivered by the British Council in partnership with the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is inviting eligible organisations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for multi-year projects that safeguard cultural heritage while strengthening communities, promoting social stability, and supporting sustainable development.

The latest funding round comes as the Cultural Protection Fund marks its tenth anniversary. Since its launch in 2016, the programme has awarded more than £57 million to support 178 projects across 20 countries, helping preserve historic sites, museums, archives, archaeological sites, traditional knowledge, languages, and other forms of tangible and intangible cultural heritage at risk.

Protecting Heritage in Times of Crisis

Across many parts of the world, cultural heritage faces growing threats from armed conflict, climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation. Historic monuments, cultural collections, archaeological sites, and centuries-old traditions are increasingly at risk of damage or permanent loss.

The Cultural Protection Fund was established to address these challenges by supporting projects that protect vulnerable heritage while helping communities build resilience and preserve their cultural identity.

Beyond conservation, the programme recognises cultural heritage as a valuable driver of education, tourism, economic opportunity, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. By safeguarding heritage, communities can strengthen local livelihoods while preserving their history for future generations.

Funding Available

Successful organisations can apply for grants of up to £500,000 to implement multi-year projects that deliver sustainable and measurable impact.

The funding is intended for ambitious initiatives capable of protecting cultural heritage while strengthening local capacity and ensuring long-term preservation.

Applications will follow a two stage process. Interested organisations must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit full project proposals.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to organisations with experience in cultural heritage protection and community development.

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Museums and heritage institutions
• Universities and research organisations
• Cultural and arts organisations
• Conservation organisations
• Other eligible not-for-profit organisations involved in heritage protection

Applicants should demonstrate the technical expertise, organisational capacity, and partnerships required to successfully implement heritage conservation projects.

Eligible Countries

The funding supports projects implemented in countries eligible under the Cultural Protection Fund programme.

These include selected countries across:

• East Africa
• North Africa
• The Middle East
• South Asia

Applicants are encouraged to review the official programme guidance to confirm country eligibility before applying.

Priority Areas

The British Council is seeking projects that protect cultural heritage while delivering meaningful social and economic benefits.

Priority areas include:

• Conservation of historic buildings and monuments
• Protection of archaeological sites
• Preservation of museum collections and archives
• Safeguarding traditional knowledge and indigenous cultural practices
• Documentation of endangered languages and oral traditions
• Capacity building for heritage professionals
• Disaster risk preparedness for heritage sites
• Community-led heritage protection initiatives
• Cultural recovery projects in areas affected by conflict or climate-related disasters

A strong emphasis is placed on developing local expertise to ensure communities can continue protecting their heritage beyond the duration of the grant.

Expected Outcomes

The Cultural Protection Fund aims to deliver impact across three key areas.

Heritage Protection

Projects should strengthen the preservation, documentation, conservation, and resilience of cultural heritage at risk.

Community Development

Supported initiatives should foster stronger, more inclusive communities while promoting social cohesion and cultural identity.

Economic Impact

Projects are expected to contribute to sustainable livelihoods by creating employment opportunities, supporting cultural tourism, strengthening creative industries, and developing heritage-related skills.

Why This Matters

Cultural heritage is increasingly recognised as an essential pillar of sustainable development. Beyond preserving history, heritage contributes to education, strengthens community identity, promotes intercultural dialogue, and creates economic opportunities through tourism, crafts, and cultural industries.

However, conflict, environmental degradation, and climate change continue to place countless heritage sites and traditions under threat.

By investing in organisations working on the frontlines of cultural preservation, the Cultural Protection Fund seeks to ensure that these invaluable cultural assets continue to educate, inspire, and support communities for generations to come.

Application Deadline

Interested organisations must submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by 20 July 2026.

As the Cultural Protection Fund enters its second decade, the 2026 funding round offers a significant opportunity for organisations dedicated to cultural heritage preservation to access substantial financial support while advancing sustainable development, community resilience, and the protection of shared cultural identities

How to Apply

Interested candidate should APPLY HERE

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