RFAs: Digitization and Evacuation of Ukrainian Cultural Heritage

The PFRU program, implemented by Chemonics, offers funding to digitize, document, and evacuate Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid ongoing conflict. With grants up to £133,000 per project, the initiative strengthens institutional capacity, ensures safe relocation of at-risk assets, and develops frameworks for long-term cultural preservation.

Program Overview

The PFRU program 2026 aims to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage threatened by conflict. The initiative supports digitization of movable and immovable assets, safe evacuation from frontline areas, and development of analytical and regulatory frameworks for improved coordination and preservation. This program strengthens national resilience by safeguarding cultural identity and heritage.

Key Highlights:

• Funding per project: Up to £133,000
• Duration: Approximately 12 months
• Submission deadline: 21 April 2026
• Implemented by: Chemonics
• Eligible applicants: Ukrainian non-profit organizations with relevant experience

Objectives and Scope

The program focuses on three main components:

1. Digitization:
   • Create detailed 2D and 3D digital records of cultural heritage sites
   • Ensure accurate documentation for future restoration, research, and legal purposes
2. Evacuation and Safe Relocation:
   • Establish a national coordination center to manage logistics, verification, and temporary storage
   • Facilitate collaboration between frontline and host museums
   • Protect movable and immovable heritage assets at risk
3. Analytical and Regulatory Framework:
   • Develop tools to improve coordination and policy responses
   • Identify and address gaps in emergency preparedness
   • Strengthen institutional capacity for long-term cultural heritage protection

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Ukrainian non-profit organizations with operational capacity
• Capable of implementing projects in accordance with the program’s guidelines
• Each organization may apply for up to three separate project lots

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility and review program requirements
2. Attend the pre-application workshop to understand expectations (recommended)
3. Prepare a complete proposal package including:
   • Detailed project plans
   • Budget and financial documentation
   • Organizational documents and operational capacity evidence
   • Risk assessment plans
4. Submit the application electronically by 21 April 2026
5. Ensure adherence to the program’s guidelines and templates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete proposal packages
• Failing to provide detailed risk assessments or operational plans
• Missing the submission deadline
• Applying for more than three project lots per organization
• Ignoring guidelines for digital record standards or evacuation procedures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding per project?
   Up to £133,000, depending on scope and negotiations.
2. How long are funded projects expected to last?
   Approximately 12 months.
3. Who can apply?
   Ukrainian non-profit organizations with relevant experience and operational capacity.
4. What are the main project components?
   Digitization of cultural heritage, safe evacuation, and development of analytical/regulatory frameworks.
5. Is participation in a pre-application workshop required?
   No, but it is highly recommended to understand program expectations.
6. How many project lots can an organization apply for?
   Up to three.
7. How should proposals be submitted?
   Electronically, following the program’s specified guidelines and formats.

Conclusion

The PFRU program 2026 provides critical support to protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage during ongoing conflict. By funding digitization, safe evacuation, and development of robust frameworks, the initiative enhances institutional capacity, preserves cultural identity, and ensures long-term protection of invaluable assets.