Heritage Organisations
Frequently Asked Questions

This grant call is part of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Southern Africa project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut. It invites non-profit, non-governmental heritage organisations in six Southern African countries, namely: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to apply for funding to further develop their heritage narratives and make them more accessible in Southern Africa, Africa and Europe.

The aim is to:

• Strengthen cultural cooperation within Southern Africa and between Southern Africa and Europe
• Enhance regional cultural production capacities
• Promote intercultural dialogue through the co-creation of new narratives around tangible and intangible cultural heritage

 

The funding is for 16+ heritage organizations to develop heritage narratives in creative and innovative ways to increase visibility and contemporary relevance. Each selected organisation will receive up to 55,000 EUR to manage a cluster, fund co-productions, and present the narratives to local audiences. The funding will be over a 18 month period.

Funded projects are expected to produce multiple artistic co-productions — such as performances, exhibitions, installations, or films — that showcase the heritage narrative and its relevance to local and global audiences. The projects should contribute to increased visibility of the heritage organisation and its narrative or practice, thereby fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting cultural diversity within Southern Africa, Africa and Europe.

The grant is  implemented by the Goethe-Institut.

To be eligible, applicants must be non-profit, non-governmental legal entities registered in one of the six project countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe. UNESCO heritage sites are not eligible to apply, however, UNESCO-affiliated heritage organisations may apply:

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: These are specific sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List (like Robben Island, Victoria Falls, etc.) – prestigious, internationally recognised sites with significant funding and visibility
• UNESCO-affiliated heritage organisations: These could include local organisations that work with UNESCO programmes, receive UNESCO support, or implement UNESCO initiatives but don't manage World Heritage Sites

Applicants must either manage a tangible heritage site (such as an archaeological site or historical building) or be closely connected to an intangible heritage practice (such as folklore, music, or traditional crafts) rooted in one of the six countries.

Organisations must have been legally registered and operational for at least three years, with a proven track record of heritage-related activities. Preference will be given to organisations that represent lesser-known heritage sites* or practices, especially those located outside major urban centres.

Applications must be submitted via the Goethe Application Portal (GAP) platform:

You’ll need to create an account, complete the online form, and upload all required documents.

Prepare the following documents:

• Proof of legal registration of Heritage Organisation
• Copy of official National ID document of primary representative
• Copy of official National ID document of secondary representative
• Financial statements (last two years)
• Proof of heritage work (portfolio or document showcasing past and current heritage-related activities)
• Proof of capacity (document detailing infrastructure, workspaces etc. including photos of facilities, equipment and accommodation)
• Proof of Bank Account (Bank confirmation letter or bank statement in the name of the heritage organisation)
• Tax compliance certificate
• Self-Declaration (provided in GAP)
• Two Reference Letters (from project partners your organisation has previously worked with)

Each selected heritage organisation can receive a grant of up to 55,000 EUR. This funding is intended to support the management of a Narrative Cluster, facilitate artistic co-productions, and cover costs related to presenting the resulting heritage narratives to local audiences over an 18 month period.

Eligible costs include staff costs, event organisation (e.g., retreats, presentations), co-production funding, travel, accommodation, outreach activities, and costs related to accessibility (e.g., adaptations for persons with disabilities) and environmental sustainability. Projects must use eco-friendly and sustainable and gender-sensitive practices where possible.

Yes, however each proposal must be for a distinct project and will be evaluated independently. Each must meet all eligibility requirements and only one proposal can be selected.

No, heritage organisations are not required to own a space. However, having access to an adequate project implementation space—whether through ownership, rental, or partnership—is recommended. Costs related to securing such a space can be included in your budget breakdown.

Yes, you can co-finance the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) Heritage Oragnisations projects with other funding sources not affiliated with the EU, as long as the overall project budget remains balanced and transparent. Co-financing is not restricted to EU sources, meaning local, private, or other international funding can be included.

The key is to ensure that all contributions are clearly documented and that the project maintains the principles of fair partnership, local ownership, and transparency.

Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance and clarity of the proposed heritage narrative, the organisation’s capacity to manage a Narrative Cluster, access to suitable working facilities, and the strength of its motivation to collaborate with interdisciplinary and international creatives. Reviewers will also assess the quality of proposed community outreach and audience engagement activities.

In addition to these core criteria, the selection process will consider geographical diversity, a balance between tangible and intangible heritage, and representation of lesser-known heritage sites*. Proposals that promote gender equality, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and environmental sustainability will be prioritised.

* Sites & practices with particular relevance and importance for local communities and with limited geographical reach.

For technical issues, contact GAP Support at:
gap-support@goethe.de