Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The U.S. Embassy Libya Cultural Property Agreement Program (FY26) funds projects that protect cultural heritage while preventing looting, trafficking, and illicit trade in cultural objects. The program supports training, digital inventories, site security, and public education in countries with U.S. cultural property agreements or emergency import restrictions. Eligible applicants include NGOs, museums, and government institutions working through U.S. embassies.
Program Overview
The Cultural Property Agreement Program administered through the U.S. Embassy Libya supports projects that safeguard cultural heritage and advance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The program focuses on preventing the looting, theft, and trafficking of archaeological and ethnological materials, while strengthening cooperation between the United States and partner countries.
FY26 Focus Areas and Priority Themes
Projects must align with the FY26 objectives outlined below and demonstrate a clear connection to existing U.S. cultural property agreements or emergency import restrictions.
Core Focus Areas
-
Capacity Building and Training
-
Training foreign law enforcement officials
-
Strengthening skills of cultural property managers and heritage professionals
-
Improving investigative and documentation techniques
-
Digital Inventories and Documentation
-
Creating or maintaining secure digital databases
-
Documenting cultural objects and heritage sites
-
Supporting recovery and restitution of stolen items
-
Site Security and Physical Protection
-
Developing site-specific security plans
-
Installing monitoring and protection systems
-
Training personnel responsible for safeguarding heritage sites
-
Public Education and Outreach
-
Community-based crime prevention initiatives
-
Educational campaigns and storytelling
-
Digital learning tools, including 3D models, games, and AR/VR experiences
Eligible Countries
Projects must be implemented in countries that have bilateral cultural property agreements with the United States or are subject to U.S. emergency import restrictions.
Eligible Countries Include
Algeria, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Libya, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Syria, Turkey, Yemen
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must be reputable institutions capable of managing international heritage projects and must coordinate through a U.S. Embassy.
Eligible Implementing Organizations
-
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
-
Museums and cultural institutions
-
Government ministries and public authorities
-
U.S.-based nonprofit organizations registered under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
Types of Funded Projects
Capacity and Institutional Strengthening
Projects may include professional training for heritage stewards, improved coordination between ministries of culture and law enforcement agencies, and enhanced record-keeping and reporting systems.
Digital Heritage Protection
Supported activities include centralized and secure digital inventories, object tracking and documentation tools, and databases that assist in recovery of stolen cultural property.
Site and Collection Security
Projects may focus on protecting archaeological sites, museums, libraries, archives, and collections through security planning, monitoring systems, and staff training.
Public Awareness and Education
Eligible initiatives include community engagement programs, educational and media campaigns, distance learning courses, and innovative virtual heritage experiences.
Why This Program Matters
The program protects irreplaceable cultural heritage from illicit trafficking, strengthens international cooperation and diplomacy, supports rule of law and crime prevention, builds sustainable local capacity, and advances U.S. national and foreign policy interests.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Submit a Concept Note
Applicants must complete the FY26 Cultural Property Agreement Concept Note and submit a preliminary budget clearly linked to agreement priorities.
Step 2: Embassy Review and Shortlisting
U.S. Embassies review submissions and invite selected applicants to proceed.
Step 3: Submit a Full Proposal (Invitation Only)
Shortlisted applicants submit a detailed project narrative, finalized budget, implementation timeline, and expected outcomes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common errors include proposing activities unrelated to cultural property agreements, weak justification of local need, lack of coordination with U.S. Embassy officials, unclear outcomes, and insufficient sustainability planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the Cultural Property Agreement Program?
To prevent looting and trafficking of cultural property while strengthening international cooperation and heritage protection.
Are U.S.-based organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. U.S. nonprofit organizations registered under Section 501(c)(3) may apply through a U.S. Embassy.
Can projects include digital or virtual components?
Yes. Digital inventories, 3D models, AR/VR tools, and online education components are encouraged.
Are infrastructure or construction projects allowed?
Only when directly linked to site security and protection, not general restoration or tourism development.
Do projects require government involvement?
Projects should demonstrate coordination with relevant ministries, law enforcement bodies, or heritage authorities.
Is Libya the only eligible country?
No. Multiple countries with U.S. cultural property agreements or emergency import restrictions are eligible.
Is this a one-stage application process?
No. The program uses a two-stage process consisting of a concept note followed by an invited full proposal.
Conclusion
The U.S. Embassy Libya Cultural Property Agreement Program (FY26) provides a targeted funding opportunity for organizations committed to protecting cultural heritage, strengthening institutional capacity, and preventing cultural property crime. Projects that are clearly aligned with agreement priorities, locally relevant, and sustainable are most likely to succeed.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy Libya.