The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) an entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is pleased to announce the 2024/25 call for heritage funding applications under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP).

PESP is a special government initiative with the primary objective of employment creation for women, youth and people with disabilities in the heritage sector following the impact of COVID-19.

PESP5 Funding is earmarked for worthy community heritage projects that aim to create new job opportunities in the following three main categories:

• Living Heritage;
• Cultural and Natural Heritage; and
• Education and Training.

Project proposals should focus on the research and documentation of our diverse culture and heritage. The grant funding does not cover infrastructure and Capital Expenditure Projects. 

Applications are accessible online using the NHC’s Praxis Grant Management System, which can be accessed from the NHC website -  https://nhc.praxisgms.co.za.

Emailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

The following institutions involved in heritage projects may apply:

• Educational/Academic Institutions participating in heritage projects;
• Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs);
• Non-Profit Companies (NPCs);
• Community Based Organisations (CBOs);
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs);
• Associations;
• Foundations;
• Community Trusts (NB: Family Trusts excluded);
• Traditional Councils;
• Individuals who are involved in heritage research projects and have partnered with a qualifying entity/organisation.
   

For further information on the requirements and criteria, please visit www.nhc.org.za. You can also email the PESP team at pespfunding@nhc.org.za or through the funding online portal discussion board. Telephone enquiries can be directed to (012) 748 3910.

The closing date for submission of applications is 15 January 2025.