2026 Call to Protect Moveable Cultural Heritage in Egypt

The Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt has launched the 2026 Call for Proposals under the Swiss Federal Office of Culture to fund projects that preserve and protect moveable cultural heritage from theft, looting, and destruction.

Type B project grants provide up to CHF 100,000 per project, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs.

Eligible applicants include individuals and legal entities supporting cultural property in countries that have ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention.

The 2026 Call for Proposals is issued by the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt under the framework of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.

The programme provides financial assistance for projects dedicated to preserving moveable cultural heritage and protecting it from theft, looting, illicit trafficking, and destruction.

Funding Category: Type B (Projects)
Maximum Grant: CHF 100,000
Cost Coverage: Up to 50% of total project costs
Funding Type: One-time flat-rate contribution

Strategic Objective

The programme supports Switzerland’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage of humankind in line with the UNESCO 1970 Convention.

Specifically, it supports projects that maintain and protect moveable cultural heritage in contracting states that have ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the illicit transfer of cultural property.

There is no legal entitlement to receive funding.

What Is Moveable Cultural Heritage?

Moveable cultural heritage refers to cultural property that can be physically relocated.

Examples include:

• Archaeological artefacts

• Historical manuscripts

• Paintings and sculptures

• Museum collections

• Religious objects

• Archival materials

These items are particularly vulnerable to theft, illicit trafficking, armed conflict, and environmental damage.

Eligible Project Activities

The call supports a wide range of preservation and protection initiatives.

Protection and Security Measures

• Securing cultural property from theft or destruction

• Preventive conservation strategies

• Risk mitigation for at-risk collections

Inventory and Documentation Projects

• Compiling inventories of at-risk cultural property

• Developing indices and cataloguing systems

• Digitisation of collections

International Cooperation Projects

• Collaborative initiatives between Swiss and international institutions

• Cross-border heritage protection efforts

Knowledge-Sharing and Awareness Activities

• Conferences and symposiums

• Workshops and training programmes

• Public awareness campaigns

Projects must contribute directly to safeguarding moveable cultural heritage.

Funding Structure

Type B funding provides:

• Up to CHF 100,000 per project

• Maximum 50% of total project costs

• One-time flat-rate contribution

Applicants must secure the remaining 50% from other sources.

The Specialised Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property within the Swiss Federal Office of Culture may disburse funds in instalments.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals

• Legal entities

• Cultural institutions

• Museums

• Academic institutions

• Heritage preservation organisations

Additional requirements:

• Projects must support cultural heritage in states that have ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention

• Museums must comply with the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums

• Applicants must confirm that supported cultural property will not be sold

The programme does not provide automatic or guaranteed funding.

Key Compliance Requirements

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate alignment with cultural heritage protection goals

• Provide a clear budget and cost breakdown

• Secure at least 50% co-financing

• Confirm non-commercialisation of supported artefacts

• Comply with international cultural property standards

Museums must adhere to professional and ethical guidelines established under the ICOM Code of Ethics.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the project supports moveable cultural heritage in a country that has ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention.

Step 2: Develop a Detailed Proposal
Include:

• Project objectives

• Cultural significance

• Risk assessment

• Protection or preservation methodology

• Budget and co-financing plan

• Institutional partnerships (if applicable)

Step 3: Demonstrate Compliance
Provide confirmation of:

• ICOM Code of Ethics compliance (if museum)

• Commitment not to sell supported cultural property

Step 4: Submit Proposal to the Embassy
Applications must be submitted under the 2026 Call for Proposals guidelines.

Step 5: Review and Decision
The Specialised Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property evaluates proposals.

Funding decisions are discretionary.

Why This Funding Matters

Cultural heritage faces increasing threats from:

• Armed conflict

• Illicit trafficking

• Political instability

• Environmental disasters

• Neglect and insufficient documentation

This programme strengthens:

• International cooperation

• Heritage documentation systems

• Preventive protection measures

• Global cultural preservation standards

It reinforces Switzerland’s international commitment to cultural heritage protection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

1. Submitting projects unrelated to moveable cultural heritage

2. Failing to demonstrate co-financing capacity

3. Ignoring UNESCO Convention requirements

4. Not addressing theft or risk mitigation clearly

5. Overlooking ethical compliance requirements

6. Proposing commercial resale-related activities

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate risk, impact, sustainability, and international relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to CHF 100,000 per project, covering no more than 50% of total project costs.

2. Is co-financing required?

Yes. Applicants must secure at least 50% of the total project costs from other sources.

3. Who can apply?

Individuals and legal entities, including museums and cultural institutions.

4. Must projects relate to the 1970 UNESCO Convention?

Yes. Projects must support cultural heritage in contracting states that have ratified the Convention.

5. Can funded cultural property be sold?

No. Applicants must confirm that supported property will not be sold.

6. Is funding guaranteed?

No. There is no legal entitlement to receive financial assistance.

7. How are funds disbursed?

Funds may be paid in instalments by the Specialised Body of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.

Conclusion

The 2026 Type B Project funding under the Swiss Federal Office of Culture provides significant financial support for preserving and protecting moveable cultural heritage.

With up to CHF 100,000 available per project and strong emphasis on international cooperation and ethical standards, the programme strengthens global efforts to combat theft, looting, and destruction of cultural property.

Eligible individuals and institutions committed to safeguarding cultural heritage are encouraged to prepare strong, compliant proposals aligned with UNESCO standards.