Deadline: 31-May-2026
The National Heritage Council (NHC) has launched the 2026/27 Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Support to fund community-driven projects that promote Ubuntu as a living heritage. The program will support one project in each of South Africa’s nine provinces, with a focus on education, advocacy, social cohesion, and long-term community transformation rooted in Ubuntu values.
About the Initiative
The Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Support is designed to encourage communities to actively promote Ubuntu as a core part of South Africa’s living heritage.
The initiative extends the spirit of Mandela Day into a year-long community movement, encouraging projects that embed values such as:
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Collective responsibility
- Unity
- Shared humanity
As part of the country’s celebration of 30 years of democracy, the programme also aims to educate communities about the continued importance of Ubuntu and inspire action that reflects the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Focus Areas
Projects should align with one or more of the following focus areas:
- Community development and poverty alleviation
- Primary health and hygiene
- Youth empowerment
- Empowerment of vulnerable groups
- Promotion of Ubuntu values
- Social cohesion
- Nation-building
Program Objective
The National Heritage Council aims to support one community project in each of the nine provinces.
The selected projects should:
- Advocate for Ubuntu as an important part of heritage
- Educate communities about the Ubuntu philosophy
- Encourage behavioral change
- Promote long-term social transformation
- Strengthen community relationships and cohesion
Importantly, the initiative goes beyond short-term service delivery and emphasizes awareness, values-based engagement, and sustainable impact.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered non-profit organizations (NPOs)
- Non-profit companies (NPCs)
Applicants must be:
- Actively involved in community-based work
- Able to implement projects at the community level
- Focused on education and advocacy of Ubuntu philosophy
Important Eligibility Note
Proposals should not only provide basic needs support.
Instead, projects must clearly show how they will:
- Educate people about Ubuntu
- Advocate for Ubuntu values in daily life
- Promote awareness and long-term behavioral change
- Contribute to social cohesion and nation-building
Why This Initiative Matters
This opportunity is significant because it frames Ubuntu not just as a cultural idea, but as a practical community tool for:
- Building stronger relationships
- Supporting vulnerable communities
- Promoting dignity and inclusion
- Encouraging shared responsibility
- Advancing a more just and equitable society
It is especially relevant for organizations already working in community development and looking to integrate heritage, values education, and social transformation into their programming.
Quick Facts
- Program: Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Support
- Funder: National Heritage Council (NHC)
- Cycle: 2026/27
- Geographic Scope: South Africa
- Projects Supported: 1 project in each of the 9 provinces
- Eligible Applicants: Registered NPOs and NPCs
- Core Focus: Ubuntu education, advocacy, social cohesion, and community transformation
FAQ
1. What is the NHC Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Support?
It is a funding opportunity for community-driven projects that promote Ubuntu as a living heritage and encourage long-term social change.
2. How many projects will be supported?
The National Heritage Council plans to support one project in each of South Africa’s nine provinces.
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are:
- Registered non-profit organizations (NPOs)
- Non-profit companies (NPCs)
4. What kinds of projects are encouraged?
Projects focused on:
- Ubuntu education and advocacy
- Community development
- Poverty alleviation
- Health and hygiene
- Youth and vulnerable group empowerment
- Social cohesion and nation-building
5. Can projects focus only on providing basic needs?
No. Proposals should go beyond basic service delivery and must include education, advocacy, and long-term community transformation related to Ubuntu values.
6. Why is Ubuntu central to this initiative?
Ubuntu is being promoted as a living heritage that can strengthen communities through empathy, compassion, unity, and shared responsibility.
Conclusion
The NHC Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Support 2026/27 is a meaningful opportunity for South African NPOs and NPCs to implement community-based projects that promote Ubuntu, social cohesion, and nation-building.
By supporting one project in each province, the initiative aims to turn Ubuntu into a practical, everyday community force that advances awareness, dignity, inclusion, and lasting social transformation.
For more information, visit National Heritage Council.