Funding calls / opportunities

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

Professional recording artists and record companies that are members of SAMPRA can now apply for grants to record new music.

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) invites music composers to apply for its Music Creation Support Fund (MCSF), which offers micro grants up to ZAR25 000.

The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) has announced the NAC Annual Project Funding Call for applications for the 2024-2025 Financial Year.

The British Council’s Festival Connect Fund offers funding to Festivals of all forms from the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Through flexible grant funding, the Fund enables innovators and researchers to test new ideas, build evidence of what works, and scale the highest impact and most cost-effective solutions

The fund is designed to promote and develop the arts and culture sector by providing affordable loans to start and/or expand small businesses

DOEN accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis.