Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Digital Heritage Grant supports innovative digital projects that expand access to Jewish heritage through technology-driven engagement. The grant funds new and evolving digital initiatives by not-for-profit organisations in Europe, helping them reach wider and more diverse audiences through scalable digital tools.
Digital Heritage Grant Overview
The Digital Heritage Grant provides financial support for creative digital projects that use technology to interpret, preserve, and share Jewish heritage. The programme prioritises digital-first approaches that enhance accessibility, participation, and long-term audience engagement beyond physical or location-based initiatives.
Purpose and Strategic Focus
The grant is designed to strengthen digital heritage ecosystems by supporting projects that leverage technology to tell Jewish heritage stories in new and inclusive ways. It encourages innovation while ensuring projects are scalable, sustainable, and accessible to diverse audiences across Europe and beyond.
Key Funding Features
The programme supports stand-alone digital projects or new digital components within existing initiatives. Funding is provided for an initial 12-month pilot phase, with the possibility of further support based on performance and impact. Applicants may request up to £40,000 for the first year or up to 70% of the total project budget, whichever is lower.
What Types of Projects Are Supported
Supported projects must be clearly digital in nature and focused on audience engagement with Jewish heritage. Eligible projects may include digital archives, interactive platforms, virtual exhibitions, educational digital tools, or innovative uses of multimedia and online technologies. Projects may be at an early concept stage or represent a new digital expansion of an existing programme.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations based in Europe, including both EU and non-EU countries. Organisations based in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus are not eligible. Applicants must provide proof of not-for-profit status, including UK organisations registered as charities under UK charity law.
Eligible Costs
Funding may be requested only for direct project-related costs necessary to deliver the approved digital initiative. All expenses must fall within the project timeframe and align with the approved budget. Retroactive funding is not permitted, and costs incurred before approval or during the application review period are ineligible.
Ineligible Activities and Costs
The grant does not support operating costs for schools, synagogues, museums, or other communal institutions. It excludes building and construction work, restoration of Jewish built heritage, fine arts projects, performing arts, film production, creative writing, and the publication or translation of academic books. Traditional, non-digital projects are not eligible for funding.
Why This Grant Matters
Digital heritage projects play a critical role in expanding access to cultural knowledge, particularly for audiences who cannot engage through physical spaces. By investing in digital innovation, the grant helps preserve Jewish heritage, foster cross-border learning, and ensure cultural narratives remain accessible in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
How the Grant Works
Applicants submit a project proposal outlining objectives, target audiences, digital approach, timeline, and budget. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how digital tools will be used to engage audiences and how the project aligns with the grant’s heritage and innovation priorities. Projects are assessed on relevance, feasibility, impact, and budget compliance.
Application Tips
Applicants should clearly articulate the digital nature of the project and avoid framing traditional activities as digital add-ons. Strong applications include defined user journeys, realistic timelines, measurable engagement outcomes, and budgets that stay within funding limits. Requests exceeding the maximum funding thresholds are automatically rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum funding available?
Applicants may request up to £40,000 for the first year or up to 70% of the total project budget.
Can existing projects apply?
Yes, existing initiatives may apply if the funding supports a new digital component or expansion.
Is retroactive funding allowed?
No, costs incurred before approval or during the review period are not eligible.
Are museums or synagogues eligible applicants?
They may apply as not-for-profit organisations, but grant funds cannot be used for their operating costs.
Are physical heritage restoration projects eligible?
No, the grant strictly supports digital projects and excludes physical restoration work.
Can funding be renewed after the first year?
Further funding may be considered following a successful 12-month pilot phase.
Conclusion
The Digital Heritage Grant enables not-for-profit organisations to transform how Jewish heritage is shared and experienced through digital innovation. By supporting high-quality, accessible, and scalable digital projects, the programme ensures Jewish heritage reaches broader audiences and remains relevant in a digital-first world.
For more information, visit Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe.
