Open call: British Council Cultural Protection Fund

British Council

Organisations working to safeguard cultural heritage threatened by conflict and climate change are invited to apply for funding through the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF), a programme managed by the British Council in partnership with the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Established in 2016, the CPF supports projects aimed at protecting cultural heritage at risk while contributing to social stability and economic development. Since its launch, the fund has awarded more than £57 million to 178 projects across 20 countries. The latest funding round is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs), with grants of up to £500,000 available for eligible projects. Only shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit a full application. Key dates 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 Project start date: December 2026 Participating countries Projects must focus on protecting cultural heritage at risk in one or more of the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Yemen. Funding and eligibility Organisations may apply for grants of up to £500 000 ($567 000). The CPF expects to award approximately: Seven grants valued between £100 000 and £500 000 Twenty grants valued below £100 000 Applications must be submitted by a single lead organisation, which will assume legal and financial responsibility for the project if funding is awarded. Eligible applicants include legally registered public and private organisations. Sole traders are not eligible. Applicants must provide evidence of legal registration and supporting documentation in English. Organisations may be based anywhere in the world; however, projects must include partners registered in the relevant CPF target country if the lead applicant is based elsewhere. Applicants must also demonstrate local demand and support for proposed activities. The CPF encourages partnerships between organisations, with formal agreements in place between project partners. Funding priorities The programme supports projects that protect cultural heritage at risk from: Conflict, including the deliberate destruction of cultural sites, traditions and identities. Climate change, including damage caused by extreme weather, environmental degradation and displacement of communities. All projects must include measures to protect living heritage, such as traditions, skills, languages, rituals and cultural practices. Strategic objectives Funded projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: Heritage: Cultural heritage is in better condition, better protected and better understood. Society: Communities become stronger, more inclusive and more resilient. Economy: Increased opportunities and benefits for people and places. Information session The CPF will host an online information session on 1 July 2026 to provide guidance on the application process and answer questions from prospective applicants. A recording will be made available on the CPF website for those unable to attend. Application process Expressions of Interest and full applications must be submitted through the Good Grants online portal(link is external) before 28 August 2026. Applicants are advised to: Use an up-to-date web browser. Save progress regularly while completing the application. Keep an offline copy of their application as a backup. Detailed application guidance and frequently asked questions are available through the Cultural Protection Fund application resources.