Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The National Heritage Board (NHB) Heritage Grants Scheme provides funding to individuals and non-profit organisations to develop community projects that promote understanding and appreciation of Singapore’s history and shared heritage. From April 2026, the programme will fund up to 80% of qualifying project costs, with grants of up to S$50,000 for Minor Projects and S$150,000 for Major Projects. Eligible applicants include Singapore citizens, permanent residents, schools, community groups, and registered non-profit organisations.
Overview
The Heritage Grants Scheme was launched in 2013 by the National Heritage Board to support community-led initiatives that document, preserve, and promote Singapore’s cultural and historical heritage.
The programme encourages grassroots participation in heritage work, enabling communities to explore their neighbourhood histories, traditions, and shared cultural identity.
In 2021, NHB strengthened the scheme by introducing two funding tracks:
• Minor Project Grant for smaller and beginner heritage initiatives
• Major Project Grant for larger, research-driven and high-impact projects
Starting April 2026, the scheme will cover up to 80% of eligible project costs, significantly increasing support for community heritage initiatives.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The Heritage Grants Scheme supports projects that contribute to:
• Learning and public awareness of Singapore’s history and heritage
• Development of heritage knowledge and documentation
• Increased neighbourhood heritage appreciation
• Stronger community engagement in heritage activities
• Greater connections between Singaporeans through shared cultural heritage
Projects may include research, exhibitions, digital storytelling, publications, community programmes, or heritage installations.
Grant Categories and Funding Amount
The scheme offers two funding categories depending on the scale and complexity of the project.
Minor Project Grant
Maximum funding: Up to S$50,000
Typical project cost: Below S$100,000
This category supports smaller or beginner heritage projects and is suitable for individuals or groups with limited experience in heritage initiatives.
Examples of supported activities include:
• Starter heritage projects
• Small-scale historical research
• Recurring heritage themes and community storytelling
• School heritage corners or mini galleries
• Projects using basic research methodologies to present heritage findings
Major Project Grant
Maximum funding: Up to S$150,000
Typical project cost: Above S$100,000
This category supports large-scale heritage projects with stronger research and community impact.
Projects are expected to:
• Address research gaps in Singapore’s heritage
• Explore lesser-known traditions or cultural practices
• Demonstrate strong research design and methodology
• Use innovative interdisciplinary approaches to present heritage findings
Applicants for this category must demonstrate prior experience in heritage initiatives and grant management.
Funding Coverage and Cost Structure
From April 2026, the Heritage Grants Scheme provides:
• Up to 80% funding coverage for qualifying project costs
The final grant amount is determined based on the lower of the following two values:
-
The approved qualifying project costs
-
The net deficit of the project
What Is Net Deficit?
Net deficit refers to the remaining funding shortfall after subtracting all income and other funding sources from the total project cost.
Example:
Total project cost: S$120,000
Other funding sources: S$40,000
Net deficit: S$80,000
The grant amount will be based on this deficit if it is lower than the qualifying project cost.
Project Duration
All funded projects must be completed:
• Within 24 months from the grant award date
or
• Within the project schedule stated in the Letter of Award
Projects should include a clear timeline for research, development, community engagement, and final outputs.
Who Is Eligible?
The Heritage Grants Scheme is open to both individuals and organisations.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
• Singapore citizens or permanent residents aged 18 and above living in Singapore
• Locally registered non-profit organisations
• Community interest groups
• Clans and associations
• Schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE)
• Informal groups, provided they nominate an individual or organisation to take legal and financial responsibility
Additional Requirements for Major Project Grants
Applicants seeking the Major Project Grant must:
• Apply with a co-applicant
• Form a confirmed partnership with a registered non-profit organisation or society
• Demonstrate experience in heritage projects or grant-funded initiatives
Why This Grant Matters
Singapore’s heritage is shaped by diverse cultures, traditions, and community experiences.
The Heritage Grants Scheme plays an important role in:
• Encouraging community-led heritage documentation
• Preserving local histories and cultural traditions
• Promoting public participation in heritage research and storytelling
• Strengthening community identity and shared cultural understanding
By supporting grassroots heritage projects, NHB ensures that local stories, traditions, and historical knowledge are preserved for future generations.
How the Heritage Grants Scheme Works
The scheme provides co-funding for community projects that explore and present heritage in accessible ways.
Funded projects may produce outputs such as:
• Heritage exhibitions or displays
• Community heritage trails
• Oral history documentation
• Digital archives or multimedia storytelling
• Educational materials and workshops
• Publications or research reports
Projects should demonstrate clear public engagement and knowledge-sharing outcomes.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Heritage Grants Scheme.
Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Grant Category
Select the funding category based on your project scope:
• Minor Project Grant for smaller initiatives
• Major Project Grant for large-scale research projects
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Your proposal should include:
• Project objectives and heritage theme
• Research methodology
• Community engagement activities
• Expected outcomes and deliverables
• Detailed project budget
Step 3: Secure Partnerships (For Major Projects)
Major Project applicants must confirm:
• A co-applicant
• A registered non-profit partner
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants may need to provide:
• Organisational details or personal profile
• Project budget and funding plan
• Partnership agreements (if applicable)
Step 5: Submit the Application
Applications should be submitted through the National Heritage Board grant application system before the stated deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues when preparing proposals.
1. Weak heritage research approach
Projects should clearly explain how historical information will be researched and verified.
2. Limited community engagement
Strong proposals include public participation or community involvement.
3. Unrealistic budgets
Budgets should align with the project scope and funding limits.
4. Lack of clear outcomes
Applications should specify how heritage knowledge will be shared with the public.
5. Missing partnerships for major projects
Major Project Grant applications must include a confirmed non-profit partner and co-applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the Heritage Grants Scheme?
The programme supports community-led projects that promote learning and appreciation of Singapore’s history and cultural heritage.
2. How much funding is available?
Projects can receive:
• Up to S$50,000 under the Minor Project Grant
• Up to S$150,000 under the Major Project Grant
3. What percentage of project costs does the grant cover?
From April 2026, the scheme covers up to 80% of qualifying project costs.
4. Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include Singapore citizens, permanent residents, schools, non-profit organisations, and community groups.
5. What types of heritage projects are supported?
The scheme supports projects related to heritage research, exhibitions, oral history, community storytelling, educational programmes, and heritage documentation.
6. How long can projects last?
Projects must be completed within 24 months or within the timeline stated in the grant’s Letter of Award.
7. Are partnerships required for all applications?
Partnerships are mandatory for Major Project Grant applications, which must include a co-applicant and a registered non-profit partner.
Conclusion
The National Heritage Board Heritage Grants Scheme provides vital funding for community-driven initiatives that preserve and celebrate Singapore’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.
With increased funding support of up to 80% from April 2026, the programme offers individuals, schools, and community organisations a strong opportunity to research, document, and share stories that strengthen Singapore’s collective heritage and identity.
For more information, visit National Heritage Board.
