About

The Small Grants Programme supports locally led efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict- and climate-affected regions through targeted funding and capacity-building initiatives.

The programme focuses on protecting cultural heritage at immediate risk, enabling local civil society leadership where international intervention is limited, supporting community engagement including women and youth, strengthening practical skills in project delivery, documentation, and reporting, and generating shared learning and examples across the ANSCH network.

This initiative is designed to address the urgent threats faced by cultural heritage in regions experiencing conflict, environmental stress, and institutional instability, including Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Palestine (Gaza), and Ethiopia (Tigray). These areas hold historically significant heritage that is increasingly at risk due to destruction, disasters, and social disruption, making locally driven action essential.

Civil society organizations play a central role in this effort, as they are often the most active and responsive actors on the ground. Their work includes documenting endangered heritage, implementing emergency protection measures, preserving traditional knowledge, and engaging directly with communities to ensure sustainable preservation practices.

The programme forms part of a six-month regional initiative that combines financial support with specialized training, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration among local organizations. By doing so, it not only provides funding but also strengthens the capacity of organizations to design and implement practical and sustainable interventions.

Implemented by the ANSCH Network, established by Heritage for Peace and funded by the British Council, the project brings together around 23 organizations across seven countries. It translates a broader vision of empowering civil society into tangible, on-the-ground actions that respond directly to the challenges faced in fragile contexts.

The Small Grants Programme offers a total funding pool of up to £75,000, supporting 12 to 15 projects with grants of up to £5,000 each. These projects are expected to be implemented over a short period of three to four months, allowing for rapid and effective responses to urgent risks. The grants are intended for pilot interventions rather than large-scale conservation efforts, encouraging innovation and practical solutions at the local level.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include civil society organizations and non-profit organizations that are based in or working directly with communities in the target countries. The programme emphasizes local leadership and community-driven approaches as key to protecting cultural heritage in challenging environments.

Post Date: April 01, 2026