Call for Proposals: Heritage Research Grant (Singapore)

Deadline: 16-Mar-2026

The Heritage Research Grant by Singapore’s National Heritage Board supports research documenting and preserving Singapore’s heritage and its regional connections. Open to academics, researchers, and heritage organizations, the grant funds projects up to S$150,000 over two years and emphasizes areas such as tangible and intangible heritage, community heritage, maritime heritage, sustainability, and innovative technologies. Applications encourage both established researchers and newcomers proposing novel approaches.

Overview

The Heritage Research Grant aims to:

• Support research that documents, preserves, and promotes Singapore’s heritage

• Encourage academic and community participation in heritage studies

• Foster a regional perspective through comparative studies with Southeast Asia

The program is administered by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and is designed to benefit academics, researchers, and heritage organizations.

Core Research Areas

Eligible projects must focus on at least one of the following five core research areas:

1. Singapore Pre-History and History – Archaeological, historical, and archival research

2. Intangible Cultural Heritage – Traditions, customs, and practices

3. Tangible Heritage – Buildings, artifacts, monuments, and physical heritage

4. Communities and Heritage – Social and cultural dimensions of heritage

5. Comparative Studies of Singapore and Southeast Asia – Regional analysis and cross-cultural research

Priority Research Themes

Projects addressing priority research themes are encouraged:

• Maritime Heritage – Singapore’s historical role as a port and regional maritime culture

• Heritage and Well-being – Impact of heritage on mental health, social cohesion, and identity

• Sustainability in Built Heritage – Conservation practices and adaptive reuse of structures

• Pedagogy or Museum-Based Learning – Educational approaches for heritage engagement

• Heritage Businesses – Commercial heritage initiatives and entrepreneurship

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Heritage – Inclusive practices in heritage research

• Innovative Technologies in Heritage – Digital tools, immersive technologies, and new methodologies

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be academics, researchers, or heritage professionals based in Singapore, or endorsed by eligible Singapore-based supporting organizations

• Be affiliated with institutes of higher learning, think tanks, research institutions, NGOs, public companies limited by guarantee, non-profits, or be supported by professional bodies registered in Singapore

• Demonstrate a strong track record in academic research and a clear interest in Singapore’s heritage

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: S$150,000 for projects up to two years

• One-year projects: Up to S$75,000

• Eligible costs:

  • Research and fieldwork expenses

  • Manpower costs

  • Indirect or ancillary research costs charged by the applicant’s institution

• Projects proposing novel or experimental approaches or led by researchers new to heritage studies are encouraged to apply for the one-year grant

How to Apply

1. Identify a core research area and priority theme aligned with the grant’s objectives

2. Prepare a project proposal including:

   • Objectives and research significance

   • Methodology and expected outputs

   • Budget justification and timeline

   • Research team composition, including at least one heritage expert for novel projects

3. Submit the application through the NHB’s official portal

4. Follow NHB guidelines for documentation and deadlines

Why It Matters

The Heritage Research Grant:

• Encourages innovative research and knowledge creation in Singapore’s heritage

• Supports both established and emerging researchers

• Strengthens the preservation, understanding, and sustainable management of heritage resources

• Fosters regional collaboration and comparative studies across Southeast Asia

Conclusion

The Heritage Research Grant is a vital opportunity for researchers and heritage organizations to contribute to Singapore’s cultural knowledge and heritage preservation. By funding innovative, sustainable, and community-relevant projects, the grant ensures that both tangible and intangible aspects of heritage are documented, studied, and shared for the benefit of current and future generations. Researchers new to heritage studies also have a chance to demonstrate novel approaches, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh ideas and methodologies in heritage research.

For more information, visit National Heritage Board.