The National Heritage Council (NHC) of South Africa, an entity of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is proud to announce the opening of its 2025–2026 Heritage Funding Call. This funding initiative supports community-based projects committed to preserving and promoting South Africa's rich and diverse heritage through documentation, research, and publication. Applications are open until 30 June 2025.

Applications must be submitted online via the NHC's Praxis Grant Management System, accessible through the NHC website PTSweb Login (praxisgms.co.za). Emailed or hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.

Eligible applicants include educational institutions involved in heritage projects, non-profit companies (NPCs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), associations, foundations (excluding family foundations), community trusts (excluding family trusts), and Section 21 companies not for gain or profit.

"The NHC has a responsibility to provide funding support to worthy community heritage initiatives committed to advancing heritage conservation consistent with the legislative mandate of the entity. Safeguarding the rich tapestry of our heritage is key for nation building, patriotism and social cohesion," says Dr Thabo Manetsi, NHC's Chief Executive Officer.

Preference will be given to projects that involve youth, women, people with disabilities and indigenous groups. Applicants must be South African citizens and be registered on the NHC Funding Portal to qualify for support.

Funding will be reserved for project proposals in one of the three key categories:

Living Heritage category: Projects should focus on research and documentation of traditional practices, including oral histories and indigenous knowledge systems, digitizing cultural collections, and preserving Khoi and San history including transfer of indigenous knowledge.

Cultural History and Resistance Heritage: Proposals should focus on documenting Traditional, Khoi and San leadership, their roles in colonial and apartheid struggle as well as sacred sites linked to cultural and liberation histories.

Education and Training: Focuses on initiatives that enhance heritage awareness and public education by promoting the transfer of knowledge to deepen public understanding, appreciation and advocacy of South African heritage.

Organisations with heritage projects that are still active under the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) or NHC Funding will not be considered until successful delivery of end products and closing reports are submitted.

Only one application per organisation is permitted during any funding call and season.

"Don't leave it for later, start working on your application process and gather the required compliance documents as soon as possible! Our teams are always available to provide the support required by applicants on appointment," urged Dr Manetsi.

For further information on the requirements and criteria, please visit www.nhc.org.za and email: funding@nhc.org.za for NHC Funding enquiries.

For Media Interview requests, please email/WhatsApp: Mr Tsireledzo Mandane: 0792989394; Email: t.mandane@nhc.org.za.

Issued by the National Heritage Council of South Africa. Tebogo Shilakwe (Executive: Communication, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement) at 084 597 8881, t.shilakwe@nhc.org.za