Funding calls / opportunities

It opens up a shared field in which artists are invited to explore their own languages, strategies, and imaginaries with full artistic freedom

The Foundation welcomes applications from professional visual artists who are painters, sculptors, and artists who work on paper, including printmakers.

Through the prize, participants can showcase their work at international forums and engage with global climate leaders.

ANNA and Latitudes, the awards exist to discover, recognise, and support women artists working in contemporary African art.

The STREETS Awards recognise outstanding social enterprises and initiatives demonstrating measurable social impact within the global hospitality and tourism sector.

The fund is open to all genres, formats, and perspectives, with a particular commitment to supporting filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds and stories that expand the cultural conversation.

This call is looking for fresh, effective approaches that go beyond what is already out there, intending to help creative startups scale up and bring bold, innovative ideas to market.

the competition recognises outstanding photography across ten diverse categories, awarding category winners and up to 15 shortlisted photographers per category.

The fund is committed to elevating diverse voices in media and providing a space for talented storytellers whose work and perspectives are frequently underrepresented in the industry.

An international recognition programme that celebrates and supports individuals, organisations, governments, and private sector actors advancing more inclusive societies.

The programme celebrates and accelerates women-led innovation across all sectors, connecting founders to the networks, resources, and visibility needed to grow.

The Prize is open to the full spectrum of contemporary visual arts, from painting and sculpture to video art, live performance, and interdisciplinary practice.

The Shore Scripts Writer Development Program is a structured support system for emerging screenwriters, designed to help writers refine their work and build the relationships needed to break into the industry.

The Moonshot Awards recognise exceptional young changemakers who are developing bold solutions to the world's most urgent challenges.

The programme aims to sustain the creation of significant literature across a wide range of genres, with particular emphasis on works written in previously marginalised official languages.

It funds the mobility of professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti to international festivals and markets, to promote networking and increase the visibility of their projects.

The open call welcomes photography, video, and multimedia projects across all genres, including fashion, documentary, portraiture, fine art, and experimental practices, from artists aged 18 and above.

Documentary Fund has opened its latest call for applications, offering nonrecoupable grants to independent filmmakers working on feature-length cinematic documentaries.

Media Monitoring Africa has opened applications for the Isu Elihle Awards, inviting professional and freelance journalists across Africa to submit innovative and unpublished story ideas that highlight child rights and issues affecting children.

develoPPP Ventures specifically funds innovative, early-stage business models that demonstrate high development relevance and scalability, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Primal Still Vodka and Contra.Joburg have launched an open call for visual artists and designers based in Johannesburg to create an artwork or design for the new Primal Still Vodka bottle label.

Programme to recognise and support an emerging filmmaker with a distinct and original creative voice.

The prize offers playwrights the freedom to explore difficult and controversial ideas with full creative integrity, supporting work that challenges assumptions in pursuit of truth, beauty, and meaningful storytelling.

The programme offers several funding tracks designed to support journalists at different stages of their investigations, from early-stage research through to full investigative reporting and follow-up coverage.

The programme recognises women impact entrepreneurs from around the world who are using business as a force for good, while building innovative and financially sustainable enterprises across sectors and industries.

The opportunity challenges young designers to rethink ordinary creative tools and repurpose them into unexpected and innovative pieces across disciplines such as fashion, graphic design, architecture, digital media, fine art, and product design.

The programme invites individual practitioners, registered organisations, and community arts centres working across disciplines such as craft, dance, literature, music, musical theatre, visual arts, and multidisciplinary practices.

The open call welcomes filmmakers from around the world, across all genres, with a focus on originality, strong narrative vision, and creative execution.

The programme is designed to equip African entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to refine their ideas and grow globally competitive businesses.

This open, flexible funding opportunity supports in-depth, high-impact journalism on underreported issues worldwide.

The programme recognises organisations and individuals worldwide who are driving meaningful social impact through their work.

The fund takes an evidence-based approach, backing ideas that demonstrate strong potential for impact, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

The prize highlights youth-led initiatives that promote civic participation, protect fundamental rights, and support inclusive and accountable governance systems.

A programme supporting collaborative projects that reimagine cultural heritage through contemporary practice.

A global initiative supporting leaders driving bold, systemic social change.

A global open call supporting musicians, collectives, and curators to develop and stream innovative music projects.

The grant supports films that demonstrate strong storytelling and meaningfully contribute to society, with a focus on projects that “touch the heart” and draw attention to underrepresented or little-known subjects.

The fund supports compelling documentary storytelling with a strong artistic vision, focusing on projects that demonstrate originality, engaging narratives, and innovative visual approaches.

The grant is awarded to an individual photojournalist to support the production of a photo-reportage exploring social, economic, political, or cultural issues.

The initiative aims to identify and empower African entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses that address pressing challenges and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

The fund focuses on organisations that place creativity at the centre of their work, using it as a tool to drive inclusion, equity, and long-term transformation within their communities.

The fund supports projects that lead to structural and long-term impact, including policy development, capacity building, and market access for cultural and creative sectors.

The programme supports contemporary and innovative projects that foster intercultural dialogue, co-creation, and equitable partnerships between African and European cultural actors.

This initiative supports collaborative visual arts projects between Sub-Saharan African and European practitioners, fostering intercultural dialogue, peer learning, and co-creation.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation has opened applications for its funding programme supporting early-stage social enterprises working to address critical social and environmental challenges

Through financial support and capacity-building, the Intercultural Innovation Hub programme aims to strengthen and scale projects working across cultures and communities.

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie has launched its 2026 Call for Projects, supporting the writing and (co)production of French-language creative works across publishing, live performance, and cinema-audiovisual production.

The We Are Family Foundation has opened applications for the Youth To The Front Fund – The Creatives, a global funding initiative supporting young cultural leaders using creative practice to drive social and community impact.

The programme encourages European producers to participate as minority co-producers in high-quality documentary projects while strengthening cross-border collaboration within the global documentary sector.

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation has opened applications to the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, an initiative designed to position the Eastern Cape as a preferred destination for national and international film and television productions.

The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation invites proposals for Sport, Arts and Culture events or festivals seeking funding for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, which this year focuses on Documentary Filmmaking. The prize celebrates exceptional Nigerian filmmakers.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, an annual award sponsored by the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to recognise outstanding literary achievement by Nigerian authors.

The Mastercard Foundation has opened the second application cycle for its Fund for Alumni Start-ups in Transition (FAST) programme, an initiative designed to support young African entrepreneurs in transforming early-stage ideas into sustainable businesses.

The Goethe-Institut has launched its International Coproduction Fund (IKF), designed to support partnership-driven projects across music, theatre, dance, and performance.

The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation supports and recognises outstanding contributions to contemporary and classical music worldwide.

Funding is available to professional Swiss artists and cultural practitioners, as well as festivals and event organising institutions of international importance that present Swiss musicians, bands, or ensembles

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications from South African theatre producers, schools, institutions, and arts organisations seeking financial support to stage musical productions.

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications from professional recording artists, bands, and record companies seeking financial assistance for live performances staged locally and internationally.

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications from South African cultural organisations seeking support to stage live festivals and concerts between 1 June 2026 and 31 May 2027.

The Human-Centred Conservation Storytelling Grant supports experienced storytellers producing rigorous, publishable work that explores conservation as it is lived.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Western Cape Government, has opened applications for its 2026/27 Annual Funding Initiatives, supporting arts, culture, and heritage projects across the province.

The SAB Foundation is inviting applications for its 2026 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, supporting South African innovators developing practical solutions to pressing social and economic challenges.

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications from South African recording artists and live music promoters seeking support to stage festivals and concerts between 1 June 2026 and 31 May 2027.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has opened its 2026 Training Provider Grant, aimed at strengthening professional skills development within South Africa’s film and video industry.

The Petrichor International Music Competition returns for its fifth edition, inviting musicians from around the world to submit their applications.

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) invites applicants for the Annual Project Funding for the 2026-2027 financial year.

The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism is inviting applications for its 2026 McGraw Fellowship.

The Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is a museum, cultural centre, and research institution in Paris dedicated to the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) invites applications for the 2026/27 cycle of the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) grant programme.

The European Commission has officially launched the 2026 Erasmus+ Call for Proposals, which presents funding opportunities to organisations, institutions, youth workers, educators, and learners

The call will award at least eight grants, with up to €55,000 per selected organisation.

UNESCO is inviting national authorities and civil society organisations to submit proposals aimed at strengthening the status of artists and promoting artistic freedom

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has opened applications for its three-year Arts Organisation Support Funding programme.

Cultural organisations in sub-Saharan Africa and Europe are invited to apply for co-production funding under the Connect and Create – Creative Tandems programme.

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is inviting members to apply for grants aimed at supporting the creation of new musical works.

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is calling on artists and cultural organisations to apply for funding to implement employment-generating projects in the 2025–2026 financial year.

The Commonwealth Foundation has opened its 2025–2026 grant call, inviting eligible civil society organisations (CSOs) to apply for funding of up to £60,000 per project.

The Goethe-Institut has launched a new mobility scheme offering grants of up to €4,000 for short-term travel by artists and culture professionals based in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.

The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia invites applications for collaborative projects that connect Swiss cultural institutions with international partners, including those based in Africa.

The Goethe-Institut, in partnership with the European Union, has officially launched a new fund aimed at empowering cultural organisations and artists in Southern Africa.

The Goethe-Institut, in partnership with the European Union, has officially launched a new fund aimed at empowering cultural organisations and artists in Southern Africa.

The British Council has announced the return of the Festival Connect Fund, an initiative that supports collaborative festival projects between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom.

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has announced the official opening of its Annual Project Funding Call for the 2025/26 financial year.

The National Heritage Council (NHC) in South Africa has officially opened applications for its 2025/26 funding cycle,

The German Federal Cultural Foundation has opened applications for its WAYS programme. This multi-tiered funding programme offers grants ranging from €27,000 to €1.6 million to support long-term artistic collaborations between cultural institutions in Germany and non-European partners, particularly in Africa

The Institut Français is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Mediterranean Season (Saison Méditerranée 2026).

In this article we present a few VC firms operating in the continent, providing not only funding but also mentorship, strategic support, and access to global markets.

The IFCD is designed to contribute to the implementation and development of policies and measures that enhance the creation, production, distribution, and accessibility of diverse cultural goods and services.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) in South Africa has officially opened its call for funding applications to support South African filmmakers and industry practitioners attending film festivals and markets.

The British Council in Zimbabwe has launched the Catalyst Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support the early development of experimental ideas in the arts and cultural sectors.

The Spaces of Culture programme is designed to enhance cross-continental collaboration between African and European cultural actors.

This is an excellent opportunity for SAMPRA members in South Africa to access funding and bring their creative visions to life. Apply now to secure financial support for your next music project!

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications for sponsorship opportunities for music awards and musicals in South Africa. Event organisers seeking financial support for music-related initiatives are encouraged to apply.

The Creativity Pioneers Fund is accepting applications until 7 April, offering a micro-grant of 5,000 euros to selected organisations.

The Craft and Design Institute (CDI) has opened applications for grants supporting innovative projects in the craft and design sectors. The fund provides financial assistance to businesses looking to scale and enhance their market presence.

The Business Development Assistant's main task will be support the Director in creating business opportunities for IaF.

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting applications from reputable and dedicated South African based cultural organisations with a track record of developing and appreciating the diverse arts and culture landscape of South Africa.

The SAMPRA Development Fund is inviting professional recording artists, record companies and live music promoters who wish to stage live music events in South Africa to apply for grants.

Musicians looking for funding to travel and tour in South Africa and abroad can now apply for grants from the SAMPRA Development Fund