Community organisations and persons who are running heritage projects have an opportunity to receive funding from the National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC). The NHC has opened a public call to interested people to send applications for funding which closes on 30 October 2023.

Annually, the NHC makes provision for heritage projects to apply for funding in preserving, protecting and promoting heritage. Funding is afforded to individuals who are involved in heritage research projects and have partnered with a qualifying entity or organisation, educational institutions participating in heritage projects; Non-Profit Companies (NPCs); Community Based Organisations (CBOs); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); Associations; Foundations; Community Trusts (NB: family Trusts are excluded).

This funding has in the past years assisted projects in disadvantaged communities to deliver impactful products that were shared with the public.

“The low number of applications for heritage funding in some of the provinces, Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, Free State and Northern Cape is concerning to the NHC. We therefore encourage heritage enthusiasts to use this opportunity by applying,” says Dr Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni, the Chief Executive of the NHC. 

In the previous year for example the following number of applications qualified for funding: North West (3), Mpumalanga (2) Free State (3), Northern Cape (1) Limpopo (4), KwaZulu Natal (3), Western Cape (4), Eastern Cape (5) and Gauteng (7).

This year, the process of applying has been made easy by allowing applicants to register and apply online or alternatively download the form from NHC’s website and submit them manually, physically or by email.

An independent committee adjudicates on the applications that meet all the requirements. The successful applicants are expected to enter into a contract that details how the project will be delivered.

“We would like to fund a variety of disciplines as possible. I urge the public to make use of our resources whilst they are in the process of compiling their proposals, by visiting our offices, mostly our website that has detailed information and criteria about our funding. Don’t leave it until the last minute, start working on your proposal now to avoid disappointments,” adds Dr Lukhwareni. 

Application forms can be downloaded from the website: http:www.nhc.org.za or contact the Funding unit via email: funding@nhc.org.za  or call (012) 748 3949/33/34/35.