British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund opens new round of grant funding of up to £500k for South Asia

ISLAMABAD: The British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) is pleased to announce a new round of grant funding in 17 countries, including Pakistan, to primarily protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and climate change.

The Cultural Protection Fund is now in its tenth year and has supported work in Pakistan to empower communities and safeguard heritage that connects people to history, identity, and each other.

Recent projects in Pakistan range from conserving of Buddhist rock heritage in Swat, historic Silk Route buildings in Gilgit-Baltistan, and Karachi's Khalikdina Hall, to preserving maritime heritage in the Indus Delta and Hazara cultural traditions.

James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, said: “The Cultural Protection Fund supports organisations and communities across Pakistan to protect and preserve cultural heritage. We are looking forward to supporting a new generation of projects through this year's funding round."

Critical Dates for Applicants

The Expressions of Interests for CPF close on Monday 20 July 2026 at 23:59 BST.  Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official 2026 application guidance and comprehensive FAQs, available on the Cultural Protection Fund website, prior to submission.

To assist regional applicants in navigating the application criteria and developing competitive applications, the British Council will host an online information session on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM BST.

Funding & Eligibility

Projects must protect cultural heritage at risk in one or more of the following countries:

South Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan

MENA: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia or Yemen

East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania or Uganda

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £500k. For the full application guidelines and links to apply, visit the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund website.