Organisations invited to submit expressions of interest for multi-year cultural heritage protection projects
The Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) is accepting Expressions of Interest for multi-year grants supporting projects that preserve endangered heritage sites, traditions, and cultural practices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
A major international funding opportunity has opened for organisations working to protect cultural heritage threatened by conflict, climate change, and other risks.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £500,000, with projects expected to begin in December 2026 and conclude by January 2029.
The Expression of Interest deadline is 20 July 2026 at 23:59 BST.
Funding supports heritage protection and community resilience
Established in 2016, the Cultural Protection Fund is led by the British Council in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The fund focuses on safeguarding cultural heritage at risk, particularly in areas affected by conflict and climate change.
Through its previous funding rounds, the CPF has provided more than £57 million in grants supporting 178 projects across 20 countries.
The programme aims to contribute to:
- Protection of vulnerable cultural heritage
- Sustainable social stability
- Economic development linked to heritage
- Community-led preservation efforts
Projects invited from 17 eligible countries
The latest funding round is open to projects operating in selected countries where cultural heritage faces significant risks.
Eligible countries include:
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Syria
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Yemen
Projects must focus on protecting cultural heritage within one or more of these participating countries.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £500,000
The Cultural Protection Fund is seeking strong proposals that demonstrate clear community support and local demand.
Applications must be submitted by a lead organisation, although organisations may be registered anywhere globally.
However, projects must include partners registered in one of the CPF target countries.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Evidence of local demand for the proposed activities
- Support from relevant communities and stakeholders
- Strong partnerships within eligible countries
- Clear plans for heritage protection and sustainability
The fund expects to support a range of project sizes, including:
- Approximately seven grants valued between £100,000 and £500,000
- Around 20 grants valued below £100,000
Each application will be assessed based on its individual quality and alignment with CPF objectives.
Application process includes two stages
The funding process begins with an Expression of Interest stage.
Only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
Key application dates include:
- Applications open: 23 June 2026
- Expression of Interest deadline: 20 July 2026, 23:59 BST
- Online information session: 1 July 2026, 10:00–11:00 BST
- Full application deadline: 28 August 2026, 23:59 BST
- Projects begin: December 2026
- Projects must end by: 31 January 2029
Applicants are encouraged to review the official guidance materials and frequently asked questions before submitting their proposals.
Heritage projects expected to deliver long-term impact
The Cultural Protection Fund supports initiatives that go beyond emergency preservation by encouraging sustainable approaches to heritage protection.
Successful projects may contribute to strengthening local skills, supporting communities, and ensuring cultural knowledge and heritage assets remain protected for future generations.
Organisations working in heritage conservation, community development, research, education, and cultural programming are encouraged to consider applying.
Opportunity provides support for vulnerable cultural heritage worldwide
As conflicts, environmental pressures, and climate impacts continue to threaten cultural assets around the world, the Cultural Protection Fund provides resources for organisations working to preserve heritage while supporting social resilience.
Eligible organisations seeking to develop innovative, community-supported heritage protection initiatives can submit an Expression of Interest before the July 2026 deadline.
