British Council opens £500,000 heritage protection grant

The British Council has opened the 2026 funding round of its Cultural Protection Fund (CPF), inviting eligible organisations in Bangladesh and 16 other countries to apply for grants of up to £500,000 to protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and climate change.

Now in its 10th year, the fund has supported a range of heritage conservation projects in Bangladesh, helping safeguard cultural assets while strengthening local capacity to preserve the country's history and traditions.

One recent project focused on the Varendra Research Museum, where museum staff received comprehensive training in collections management and the preservation of oral traditions to improve the care of valuable artefacts.

British Council Country Director for Bangladesh Stephen Forbes said the new funding round reflects the organisation's continued commitment to protecting endangered cultural heritage through community-led initiatives.

"We are pleased with what Bangladesh and UK partners have achieved through the Cultural Protection Fund. This latest funding round will empower local communities and practitioners to strengthen their expertise, build international partnerships and lead future efforts to protect cultural heritage," he said.

The fund is open to projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, as well as selected countries in the Middle East, North Africa and East Africa.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by July 20, while the British Council will hold an online information session for prospective applicants to explain the application process and funding criteria.