Applications are now open for the British Council Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) 2026, a major international grant programme supporting projects that protect cultural heritage at risk in vulnerable and conflict-affected regions.
Led by the British Council in partnership with the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Cultural Protection Fund helps organizations safeguard cultural heritage while strengthening communities, promoting social resilience, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Organizations can apply for grants of up to £500,000 to implement projects that preserve, protect, and enhance cultural heritage across eligible countries.
Grant Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | British Council |
| Funding Partner | UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) |
| Programme | Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) 2026 |
| Grant Type | Cultural Heritage Grant |
| Grant Value | Up to £500,000 |
| Eligible Applicants | Eligible organizations and partnerships |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 20 July 2026 (23:59 BST) |
| Full Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 (23:59 BST) |
| Project Start | December 2026 |
| Project End | No later than 31 January 2029 |
About the Cultural Protection Fund
The Cultural Protection Fund was established in 2016 to support the protection of cultural heritage threatened by conflict, climate change, natural disasters, instability, and neglect.
The programme funds projects that not only conserve cultural heritage but also improve community resilience, support sustainable development, and generate economic opportunities through heritage preservation.
The Fund currently supports projects across North Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia.
Funding Available
For the 2026 funding round, the British Council expects to award:
- Approximately 7 large grants valued between £100,000 and £500,000.
- Approximately 20 smaller grants valued below £100,000.
Applicants may request funding of up to £500,000, depending on the scale and scope of their proposed project.
Strategic Objectives
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following objectives:
Heritage
- Protect cultural heritage at risk.
- Improve conservation and preservation.
- Increase understanding of cultural heritage.
- Strengthen preparedness for future threats.
Society
- Build stronger and more inclusive communities.
- Increase resilience through heritage-based initiatives.
- Encourage community participation and local ownership.
Economy
- Create employment and economic opportunities.
- Promote sustainable development through cultural heritage.
- Increase benefits for local communities and places.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Submit the application through one lead organization.
- Demonstrate clear local demand and community support.
- Include partners that are registered within eligible target countries.
- Propose activities that align with the Cultural Protection Fund’s objectives.
- Demonstrate the capacity to deliver and manage grant-funded projects successfully.
Eligible Project Activities
Projects may include activities such as:
Explore more opportunities like this
- Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage.
- Documentation and recording of cultural heritage.
- Protection of museums, monuments, historic buildings, and archaeological sites.
- Capacity building and skills development.
- Community engagement and awareness programmes.
- Climate resilience and disaster preparedness for heritage sites.
- Preservation of intangible cultural heritage, including traditions, languages, crafts, and cultural practices.
Application Process
The application process consists of two stages:
Stage One – Expression of Interest
Organizations must first submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI).
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to proceed to the second stage.
Stage Two – Full Application
Organizations selected from the Expression of Interest stage will receive an invitation to submit a detailed full application with all required supporting information.
Application Timeline
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 20 July 2026 (23:59 BST) |
| Full Application Deadline | 28 August 2026 (23:59 BST) |
| Project Commencement | December 2026 |
| Project Completion | No later than 31 January 2029 |
Why Apply?
The British Council Cultural Protection Fund provides organizations with an opportunity to:
- Secure grants of up to £500,000.
- Protect endangered cultural heritage.
- Strengthen community resilience.
- Promote sustainable economic development.
- Build international partnerships.
- Contribute to preserving cultural identity for future generations.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Cultural Protection Fund application portal.
- Submit an online Expression of Interest.
- Wait for the assessment outcome.
- If shortlisted, complete the full application.
- Submit all required documents before the final deadline.
Application Deadlines
- Expression of Interest: 20 July 2026 (23:59 BST)
- Full Application: 28 August 2026 (23:59 BST)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Conclusion
The British Council Cultural Protection Fund 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for organizations working to protect cultural heritage while creating positive social and economic impact. With grants of up to £500,000, the programme supports innovative, community-centered projects that preserve heritage, strengthen resilience, and contribute to sustainable development across eligible regions.
