Request for Applications: Books, Letters, and Reading Grant Program in Greece

Deadline: 20-Jan-2026

The Greek Ministry of Culture invites applications for its 2026 grants supporting books, letters, and reading initiatives. The program funds literary events, workshops, digital tools, and accessibility projects to foster intellectual growth, cultural participation, and innovation in the literary sector across Greece.

Overview

The Books, Letters, and Reading Grants 2026 program aims to:

• Support contemporary literary creation, innovative ideas, and cultural expression

• Promote new literary movements and support young writers and artists

• Enhance public access to books, letters, and literary culture

• Encourage cross-sectoral and international collaborations

• Strengthen Greece’s cultural and creative economy and generate employment

• Promote regional cultural development and local economic revitalization

• Ensure equal access to literature for young people, vulnerable groups, and special audiences

• Foster social cohesion, diversity, and inclusion

• Promote digital transformation and innovation in the literary sector

• Enhance Greece’s international prestige in contemporary literary culture

The program emphasizes the role of books and literature in intellectual and emotional growth, cultural participation, and social engagement. It encourages projects that broaden readership, enhance creativity, and foster lifelong learning.

Why It Matters

Books and literary activities are pivotal for:

• Expanding personal growth and emotional intelligence

• Promoting literacy and lifelong learning

• Supporting cultural participation for children, youth, and marginalized communities

• Strengthening social cohesion and diversity awareness

• Enabling regional cultural development and creative economies

• Advancing digital accessibility and innovation in literary dissemination

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Non-profit or public/private organizations engaged in literary, educational, or cultural activities

• Registered institutions in the National Registry of Cultural Actors

• Collaborative projects, where the main implementing organization is Greek; foreign partners are allowed only if led by a Greek entity

Eligibility Highlights:

• One proposal per organization under Creative Greece – Grants for Contemporary Culture 2026 and Modern Cultural Heritage

• Program “All of Greece One Culture” is excluded

• Projects should focus on literary innovation, public engagement, and social impact

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Develop Proposal: Define objectives, target audience, activities, and measurable outcomes

2. Prepare Budget: Include a realistic, itemized financial plan

3. Submit Documentation: Provide registry confirmation, past artistic and financial reports, or a 2026 operational plan for new entities

4. Eligible Activities:

   • Literary events: symposia, workshops, conferences, seminars

   • Reading initiatives for children, youth, elderly, refugees, immigrants, and print-disabled audiences

   • Literary competitions for different age groups and audiences

   • Literary tourism activities

   • Digital projects: applications, databases, digitization of books and archives

5. Evaluation Criteria:

   • Alignment with Ministry priorities

   • Artistic and literary quality

   • Innovation and originality

   • Public engagement and accessibility

   • Feasibility, planning, and budget

   • Regional and social impact

6. Grant Award: Funding supports eligible projects aligned with program objectives, fostering literacy, participation, and cultural innovation

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Submit only one proposal per organization across the eligible programs

• Demonstrate alignment with contemporary literary culture and Ministry priorities

• Highlight innovation, digital tools, and social inclusion

• Provide a detailed, realistic budget and timeline

• Emphasize regional engagement and outreach to underserved communities

• Include relevant expertise and prior experience in literary or cultural projects

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Non-profit, public, or private organizations registered in the National Registry of Cultural Actors.

2. What types of projects are eligible?
Workshops, symposia, conferences, reading initiatives, literary competitions, literary tourism, and digital tools or archives.

3. Can foreign partners participate?
Yes, but the lead organization must be Greek.

4. How many proposals can an organization submit?
One proposal under Creative Greece – Grants for Contemporary Culture 2026 and Modern Cultural Heritage.

5. Are digital initiatives encouraged?
Yes, projects involving apps, databases, digitization of books or archives, and innovative accessibility tools are highly encouraged.

6. Are projects for vulnerable groups prioritized?
Yes, initiatives targeting children, youth, refugees, immigrants, elderly, and print-disabled readers are especially valued.

7. What are the main evaluation criteria?
Artistic/literary quality, innovation, accessibility, social impact, feasibility, budget realism, and alignment with Ministry priorities.

Conclusion

The Books, Letters, and Reading Grants 2026 program is a strategic opportunity to strengthen literacy, foster cultural participation, and promote innovative literary projects in Greece. By supporting digital, educational, and inclusive literary initiatives, the Ministry of Culture encourages intellectual growth, social engagement, and the international visibility of Greek contemporary literary culture.

For more information, visit Ministry of Culture.