Call for Minor and Major Project Grants (Singapore)

The Heritage Grants Scheme provides funding support for individuals, non-profit organisations, schools, and community groups in Singapore to develop projects that preserve, promote, and strengthen appreciation of the nation’s shared heritage. The scheme supports heritage initiatives that encourage learning, community participation, cultural understanding, and connection through Singapore’s history and traditions.

The programme offers two funding categories — Minor Project Grant and Major Project Grant — providing up to S$50,000 and S$150,000 respectively for eligible heritage projects.

About the Heritage Grants Scheme

The Heritage Grants Scheme supports community-driven heritage projects that contribute to preserving Singapore’s cultural identity and expanding public understanding of the country’s history and shared experiences.

The programme encourages individuals and organisations to develop meaningful heritage initiatives that:

• Promote awareness and appreciation of Singapore’s history and heritage.
• Encourage community involvement in heritage activities.
• Document and share heritage knowledge.
• Strengthen connections between communities through shared cultural experiences.
• Support neighbourhood-based heritage learning and engagement.

The scheme is designed to empower communities to take an active role in safeguarding Singapore’s tangible and intangible heritage.

Funding Categories

The Heritage Grants Scheme provides financial support through two project grant categories.

Minor Project Grant

The Minor Project Grant supports smaller-scale heritage initiatives with funding of up to S$50,000.

Funding support includes:

• Up to 80% of qualifying project costs, or
• The approved project’s net deficit, whichever amount is lower.

The grant is suitable for community heritage activities, small exhibitions, educational programmes, documentation projects, and local heritage engagement initiatives.

Major Project Grant

The Major Project Grant supports larger and more complex heritage projects with funding of up to S$150,000.

Funding support includes:

• Up to 80% of qualifying project costs, or
• The approved project’s net deficit, whichever amount is lower.

Major projects should demonstrate stronger community impact, broader engagement, and meaningful contributions to heritage preservation and understanding.

Who is Eligible?

The Heritage Grants Scheme is open to individuals and organisations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

• Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 years and above who live in Singapore.
• Locally registered non-profit organisations.
• Interest groups, clans, and community associations.
• Schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE).
• Informal groups represented by an individual or locally registered organisation that accepts legal and financial responsibility for the grant.

For Major Project Grant applications:

• Individual applicants must apply with one or more co-applicants.
• Projects must have a confirmed partnership with a registered non-profit organisation or society.

Who Cannot Apply?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• For-profit organisations.
• Local or foreign public agencies and institutions receiving government operational funding, except MOE schools.
• Existing Heritage Grants recipients with outstanding grant repayment obligations.
• Individuals or organisations applying on behalf of another party without direct ownership of the project.

Why It Matters

The Heritage Grants Scheme plays an important role in supporting community participation in heritage preservation.

The programme helps communities:

• Protect important cultural memories and historical knowledge.
• Encourage younger generations to learn about Singapore’s heritage.
• Create opportunities for storytelling and cultural exchange.
• Build stronger community connections through shared experiences.
• Support grassroots heritage initiatives.

By funding community-led projects, the scheme ensures that heritage remains accessible, relevant, and meaningful for future generations.

Supported Heritage Projects

Projects supported under the scheme may include initiatives focused on:

• Heritage education and public learning.
• Community heritage programmes.
• Historical research and documentation.
• Neighbourhood heritage appreciation activities.
• Cultural storytelling and engagement projects.
• Heritage exhibitions and outreach activities.
• Projects that strengthen understanding of Singapore’s shared cultural identity.

Applicants should demonstrate how their projects contribute to heritage awareness, participation, and long-term community value.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these general steps:

Step 1: Develop a Heritage Project Idea

Applicants should prepare a project concept that clearly explains:

• The heritage theme or focus area.
• The community need or opportunity addressed.
• Expected outcomes and public benefits.
• Planned activities and engagement methods.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Grant Category

Applicants should determine whether their project fits:

• Minor Project Grant for smaller initiatives.
• Major Project Grant for larger or more complex heritage projects.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applications should include relevant information such as:

• Project description.
• Objectives and expected outcomes.
• Implementation plan.
• Budget breakdown.
• Applicant details.
• Partnership information, where applicable.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their completed application according to the Heritage Grants Scheme requirements and provide all requested supporting information.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the heritage value of the project.
• Demonstrating community involvement and participation.
• Providing realistic budgets and timelines.
• Showing how the project benefits the wider community.
• Highlighting educational, cultural, or social impact.
• Establishing partnerships where required.

Projects should focus on meaningful engagement rather than only event delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Heritage Grants Scheme?

The Heritage Grants Scheme is a funding programme that supports community-led projects promoting Singapore’s shared heritage, history, and cultural understanding.

How much funding can applicants receive?

The Minor Project Grant provides up to S$50,000, while the Major Project Grant provides up to S$150,000. Funding covers up to 80% of qualifying project costs or the approved project deficit, whichever is lower.

Who can apply for the Heritage Grants Scheme?

Eligible applicants include Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, non-profit organisations, community groups, clans, associations, MOE schools, and eligible informal groups.

Can individuals apply for the Major Project Grant?

Yes. However, individual applicants must apply with one or more co-applicants and have a confirmed partnership with a registered non-profit organisation or society.

Are businesses eligible to apply?

No. For-profit organisations are not eligible for Heritage Grants Scheme funding.

What types of projects are supported?

The scheme supports heritage education, community engagement, research, documentation, exhibitions, storytelling, and other initiatives that promote understanding of Singapore’s shared heritage.

Can organisations apply if they have outstanding grant issues?

No. Existing recipients with outstanding grant repayments are not eligible until their obligations are resolved.

Conclusion

The Heritage Grants Scheme provides valuable support for individuals and organisations working to preserve and celebrate Singapore’s shared heritage. By funding community-led heritage projects, the programme helps strengthen cultural connections, encourage public participation, and ensure that Singapore’s history and traditions continue to be valued by future generations.