Cushion embroidery workshop.  ©

Yemeni Education and Relief Organisation (YERO)

Expressions of interest for small grants are now closed.

How to apply

You can find all the information about the funding, eligibility and how to apply in the expandable sections at the bottom of this page.

We are receiving a high volume of Expressions of Interest. We will only progress expressions of interest to the next application stage if they meet our eligibility requirements and are likely to be competitive. Therefore, before submitting the Expression of Interest form, please:

  • Check that you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the exandable sections at the bottom of this page.
  • Read the application guidance.
  • Watch our webinars for advice on what makes a strong project.

Watch our webinars

The Cultural Protection Fund team have recorded two webinars that give information on the funding, the new round and advice for applications. The webinars are available in both English and Arabic below.

  • Information webinar – this 15-minute video will give an overview of the Cultural Protection Fund, what we mean by cultural heritage protection and talk you through the eligibility criteria of our funding rounds
  • Making an Application webinar – this 25-minute video will talk you through making an application to the Cultural Protection Fund. It includes what we can and cannot fund, what makes a strong application and how to apply.

Please note: since the videos were recorded, it has been decided there will be no Expression of Interest deadline for small grants. Read the section 'What is the deadline for Expressions of Interest' below for further details.

Who can apply?

Organisations can apply from anywhere in the world, but must be working in one of the fund’s target countries or territories:

  • Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen
  • East Africa – Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
  • South Asia – Afghanistan*

If you are not based in one of the above countries or territories, you can apply but you must have a local partner where the project is taking place. Individuals and sole traders are not eligible to apply.

*Please note, the security situation is under ongoing review. We welcome proposals that benefit Afghanistan, including those delivering activities outside of the country. Proposals will be assessed taking into account our understanding of the situation at the time.

What can I apply for and when?

  • Small grants up to £100,000
  • Funding is available for projects commencing in July 2023
  • Projects can run for any duration but at the latest must finish by the end of January 2025

What is the deadline for Expressions of Interest?

  • Deadline for Expressions of Interest is 16 December 2022
  • Those invited to make a full application will be informed by 31 December 2022
  • Deadline for full applications is 31 March 2023
  • Decisions will be made in June with projects likely to start in July / August 2023.

There will be no further rounds for small grants until at least the end of 2023.

What kind of projects are funded?

  • Projects must include activities that safeguard cultural heritage for future generations. Projects must protect heritage from risks relating to conflict and instability and/or climate change (and related disasters)
  • Projects must include meaningful involvement of the local community, either through heritage protection activities, training or advocacy.

What does 'Cultural Protection' mean?

Cultural heritage includes many different things from the past that communities value and want to pass on to future generations, for example:

  • Archaeological sites and monuments
  • Collections of objects, books or documents in museums, libraries or archives
  • Historic buildings
  • Cultural traditions such as stories, festivals, crafts, music, dance and costumes
  • Histories of people, communities, places and events
  • The heritage of languages and dialects
  • People’s memories and experiences (often recorded as ‘oral history’).

What are the project outcome requirements?

For this round, the Cultural Protection Fund has three impact areas

Impact Area Outcome
Heritage
  • Cultural heritage at risk is better managed and prepared for potential threats.*
  • Local organisations and communities have increased capacity and/or resilience to care for and protect cultural heritage.
Society**
  • Local people have developed skills, potentially leading to increased professional or other opportunities.
  • The profile of people engaging with cultural heritage is more diverse with respect to gender imbalances, age, ability, sexuality, ethnicity and social/religious background.***
  • Local communities have a better understanding of their cultural heritage and value it more.
  • Local communities have played a more active role in protecting their cultural heritage or sharing it with others, potentially leading to increased social cohesion and a greater sense of well-being.
  • The local area is enhanced for the benefit of communities and visitors.
Economy
  • The local economy has been diversified.

*Required outcome for all projects.

**All projects must include at least one society outcome.

***Priority will be given to projects which aim to achieve this outcome where possible and appropriate.

Application documents

Applicants whose Expression of Interests (EOI) has been accepted and have been invited to submit a full application can access the Project budget and cashflow template below. You can also download the full application guidance below.

See also

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