GENERAL INFORMATION

The National Heritage Council (NHC) is a statutory body established in terms of Section 3 of the National Heritage Council Act 11 of 1999.  It has, as one of its key mandates, a responsibility to disburse funding to approved heritage projects.  In allocating these funds, the National Heritage Council aspires to expand the base of participation of heritage organizations in the country. Applications are invited from individuals, organizations and institutions.

Consistent with the Theme of celebrating 30 years of Democracy, the National Heritage Council funding for this term will give priority to proposals in the following areas:

Heritage Research and Publication/Documenting of Education and Training in Heritage, Indigenous Knowledge Systems which could be categorised under the following:

1. Women and Heritage

Women constitute the broad category of unsung heroines, whose historical achievements have not been adequately captured. This programme calls on proposals of projects which seek to explore and trace the historical contribution and achievement of women in the promotion, conservation and management of our heritage.

2. Youth and Heritage

This programme seeks to explore ways in which heritage can be used effectively to maximise the role of the youth in the promotion and conservation of heritage resources. While at the same time explore what contribution heritage can have in addressing youth issues.

3. Education and Heritage 

Can your project assist to integrate heritage conservation and management into the education system including public education programmes and fora. This programme also seeks opportunities for research, knowledge production, capacity building and skills development in conservation and management of heritage resources. 

4. Heritage Research & Publication/Documenting

Research projects are expected to adhere to the following research principles but not limited to the following:

Honesty in proposing, performing and reporting on research, recognition of prior work, disclosure of potential conflict of interest, protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of research, signing of Ethical Conduct Form, expected produced work to be peer reviewed, submission of Consent Form for any research work, collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing of resources and compliance with institutional and/or sponsor requirements.

5. Indigenous Groups heritage initiatives in the country

The capturing and impact of the origins and historical context of colonialism, oppression and obliteration on the identity and values of the people upon which colonialization was imposed.  These projects highlight the importance to build upon the gains the country has made and creating awareness and affirmation of indigenous knowledge.

6. Liberation Heritage

South Africa as a country is transforming from the past where liberation of different indigenous groups was suppressed.  It is necessary that as we transform the landscape of heritage in the country, it becomes an inclusive approach. This the NHC will do by documenting the different engagements by different liberation groups who fought to bring South Africa to the democratic state it is in today. 

NB:1.  You are advised to read the strict requirements for applicants before you apply       

            and ensure that your project is heritage related.

       2.  Projects that are still active under PESP and NHC Funding with their projects

            still under implementation and files not closed with the NHC MUST NOT APPLY  

            until their projects submit closing report and hand-over end product to the      

            NHC.  NHC Public funding carries 24 months cooling off period once funded.

       3.  Applicants that apply for PESP5 MUST NOT apply for the NHC funding in the 

            same financial year

Applications are invited from the following

a. Educational Institutions participating in heritage projects

b. Non-Profit companies (NPCs)

c. Community based organisations (CBOs)

d. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

e. Associations

f. Foundations

g. Community Trusts (NB: family Trusts excluded)

h. Individuals who are involved in heritage research projects and have partnered with a qualifying entity/organisation

Exclusions

a. Closed Corporations (CC companies)

b. (Pty) Ltd registered companies

c. Section 21 for gain companies

d. Cooperatives

e. Employees of the National Heritage Council, their spouses and immediate family members are not eligible to apply for funding with the NHC

f. National, provincial, and local government including their Agencies and entities

g. Beneficiaries of the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture cannot apply for funding or be in partnership with applicants.

h. Organisations that are currently funded by the NHC and are still implementing (still active).

i. Projects whose applications cover the following:

• Home based care
• Drop in centre and HIV centre
• Performing arts/festival/theatre/drama/dancing/music/fine arts
• Film Production
• Training not related to heritage ( academic training)
• Construction and renovations proposals (Capital expenditure)

How to get application forms?

1. Applicants must use the National Heritage Council application form available from the website www.nhc.org.za (Funding) (via the NHC Paxis Grants Management System).

2. Applicants may register to apply on the FUNDING/PRAXIS/2024 to obtain a project code so that they apply online.

The following documents are necessary for submitting a funding proposal with the NHC:

a. Applicants must use the National Heritage Council application form (after they have been successfully registered on the GMS);

b. Organisations’ registration certificate from CIPC and High Court;

c. Organisation’s constitution/Deed of Trust/ Articles of Association/ Memorandum of Incorporation/ Gvt Gazette for Academic Institutions;

d. Current tax clearance certificate with a pin code NB: No Tax Exemption Certificate/tax registration letter;

e. Latest financial bank statements for newly registered organisations;

f. A letter from your audit firm/accountant committing their obligation to audit your books for NHC funding;

g. Audited Financial Statements for organisations registered for more than one year;

h. A detailed Business Plan (that provides organisation’s profile)

i. A project proposal,

j. A project Plan with itemised budget;

k. Signed NHC Declaration form;

l. Certified identity documents of authorised persons.

The National Heritage Council funding gives priority to proposals in the following areas:

a)         Living Heritage

Proposals for funding should focus on the following areas: Documentation of the history of African Traditional and Cultural practices originating from South Africa - Recording of Oral History and Narratives associated with South African heritage - Digitisation of indigenous South African traditional cultural collections associated with living heritage – Documentation of history of indigenous South African Traditional Music and Songs – Documentation of Knowledge and Skills transfer sessions on the Preservation of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Digitization of the heritage sector- Documentation of the role of women in the liberation of the country – Documentation of liberation activities reflecting impact of 30 years of democracy

b)         Cultural History and Heritage

Documentation of Sacred sites and Great Places associated with Traditional Leadership, with cultural significance and living heritage in South Africa.

Documentation of the role and contribution of African Traditional Leadership in the Resistance and liberation of South Africa.

Documentation including Audit and Marking of National Cultural Heritage Sites.

c)         Education & Training

Heritage Awareness and Advocacy programmes, based on the transfer of knowledge and skills, on heritage in nation building and fostering social cohesion (Note: festivals, performances, ceremonies and associated events are excluded).

Important Application Guidelines:

a. Applicants must use the National Heritage Council Application Form on the Grants Management System online: NHC/GMS/2024 Funding App

b. Organisations MUST SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION per financial year.

How will you know if your proposal was successful?

Successful applications will be contacted directly in writing . Should applicants not hear from the NHC within 90 days after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

The NHC will make contact only with successful applicants.

The National Heritage Council reserves the right not to award funding.

Enquiries

Email enquiries are preferred and should be sent to funding@nhc.org.za. Telephonic enquiries can be directed to (012) 748 3949. National Heritage Council Office Address:

Summit Place Business Park, Building no. 3, 2nd  Floor, 

221 Garsfontein Road

Menlyn, Pretoria