Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

Up Grants 2026 invites socio-cultural centres across Creative Europe eligible countries to submit innovative projects that strengthen democracy through participation, creativity, and civic action. Three winning initiatives will each receive €4,000 and be invited to the Up Grants Conference in Lisbon in May 2026.

Overview of Up Grants 2026

Up Grants 2026 supports socio-cultural centres that promote democratic values, civic engagement, and creative participation. The programme highlights innovative initiatives that respond to today’s social, political, and digital challenges.

All submitted projects will gain international visibility by being featured on the Up Grants website.

Thematic Focus Areas

The 2026 edition focuses on three key themes:

Digital Ethics and Democracy

Projects under this theme should:

• Explore ethical challenges of digital transformation

• Promote responsible digital engagement

• Strengthen democratic values in online and digital spaces

Dialogue in Times of Polarisation

Initiatives should:

• Bridge social and political divides

• Encourage constructive conversations

• Foster inclusive dialogue within communities

Participation and Cultural Resistance

Projects are expected to:

• Position socio-cultural centres as hubs for civic engagement

• Promote collective action and democratic participation

• Address social, political, and environmental challenges through culture

Funding and Benefits

• Three winning projects (one per thematic strand)

• Grant amount: €4,000 per winner

• Invitation to the Up Grants Conference in Lisbon (May 2026)

• Travel and participation costs covered

• International visibility through the Up Grants platform

Winners will be selected through:

• Public online voting

• Expert jury evaluation

• ENCC membership (considered as one of several assessment factors)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

• ENCC members

• Members of ENCC networks

• Non-profit or public socio-cultural organisations

• Organisations based in Creative Europe eligible countries

Projects may be:

• Planned initiatives

• Ongoing projects

However, submissions must include:

• Clearly defined objectives

• Identified stakeholders

• Detailed budgets

• Demonstrated potential for future development

Application Requirements

Applications must:

• Clearly describe the initiative and its objectives

• Demonstrate measurable impact using qualitative and quantitative indicators

• Outline future development potential

• Be submitted by 15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET

Expected Outcomes

Up Grants 2026 aims to:

• Strengthen democracy through cultural participation

• Showcase innovative socio-cultural practices

• Encourage dialogue and civic engagement

• Promote ethical digital transformation

• Increase international collaboration and visibility

FAQs

1. Who can apply for Up Grants 2026?
   ENCC members, members of ENCC networks, and non-profit or public socio-cultural organisations in Creative Europe eligible countries.

2. How many projects will receive funding?
   Three projects—one per thematic strand—will be selected as winners.

3. What is the funding amount?
   Each winning project will receive €4,000.

4. Is travel support included?
   Yes. Winners will be invited to the Up Grants Conference in Lisbon in May 2026, with costs covered.

5. Can ongoing projects apply?
   Yes. Both planned and ongoing projects are eligible, provided they have clear objectives, budgets, and growth potential.

6. How are winners selected?
   Through a combination of public online voting and expert jury evaluation.

7. What is the application deadline?
   15 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Conclusion

Up Grants 2026 offers socio-cultural centres a valuable opportunity to gain recognition, funding, and international visibility while strengthening democracy through participation, dialogue, and creative civic action. By focusing on digital ethics, societal dialogue, and cultural resistance, the programme supports initiatives that respond to contemporary democratic challenges across Europe.

For more information, visit European Network of Cultural Centres.