Apply for 2026/27 heritage funding

If you have a heritage project that can help preserve, protect, and promote South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage, the National Heritage Council (NHC) of South Africa is calling on you to apply for the 2026/27 Heritage Funding for community-based projects by 15 May 2026.

The NHC stated that projects must focus on heritage preservation through research, documentation, digitisation, education, and knowledge transfer.

Eligible applicants include:

• Educational institutions
• Non-profit companies 
• Non-profit organisations 
• Non-governmental organisations 
• Community-based organisations
• Associations, foundations, and community trusts (excluding family trusts)
• Traditional Councils

NHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thabo Manetsi, emphasised the importance of the funding initiative in advancing the organisation’s mandate.

"A core responsibility of the NHC is to allocate funding to heritage projects that align with our mandate and contribute meaningfully to preserving South Africa’s diverse cultural legacy. These initiatives play a vital role in strengthening social cohesion and fostering a shared national identity," said Manetsi.

Funding Categories

Funding will be allocated across three main categories:

• Living heritage: Projects focusing on documenting oral histories, indigenous knowledge systems, cultural digitisation, and the preservation of Khoi and San heritage.
• Cultural, natural, and resistance heritage: Initiatives that explore traditional leadership, resistance movements, and culturally significant or sacred sites.
• Education and training: Programmes aimed at promoting heritage awareness, knowledge transfer, and public education to support nation-building.

The NHC has also noted that applicants currently funded under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme or existing NHC funding cycles will not be eligible unless they have submitted all outstanding reports or completed agreed deliverables.

Manetsi encouraged early preparation for submissions: “We encourage applicants to begin the process as early as possible to ensure all compliance requirements are met. Our team remains available to provide guidance and support throughout the application process,” he said.

All submissions must be completed online via the NHC’s Praxis Grant Management System, accessible through https://nhc.praxisgms.co.za/ or on the NHC website. 

No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered. 

For more information on application requirements and criteria, visit www.nhc.org.za or email funding@nhc.org.za for NHC funding enquiries.