Organizer Information

The European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC) is a pan-European organization supporting socio-cultural centres, cultural innovation, and civic participation across Europe. ENCC provides platforms for visibility, networking, and development, fostering projects that advance democracy, community engagement, and social transformation through the arts and culture.

Title & Description

Up Grants 2026 – Culture for Democracy Up Grants 2026 is a microgrant program designed to support socio-cultural initiatives that promote democracy, participation, and social transformation. Eligible socio-cultural centres can submit projects under three thematic strands:
  1. Digital ethics and democracy – exploring digital transformation and civic engagement online.
  2. Dialogue in times of polarisation – fostering conversation and bridging divides in increasingly polarised societies.
  3. Participation and cultural resistance – positioning socio-cultural centres as laboratories for civic participation and cultural resistance in social, political, or environmental crises.
Selected initiatives will gain visibility across Europe, recognition, and funding support, helping them scale their impact beyond local communities.

Categories

Grant, Public Art, Culture, Research, Interdisciplinary Arts, Community Engagement

Eligibility

  • Open to socio-cultural centres operating as non-profit organizations or public bodies.
  • Centres must facilitate citizen participation in socio-cultural or artistic activities.
  • Both ENCC members and non-members can apply.
  • Individual artists cannot apply directly; applications must be submitted by eligible socio-cultural centres.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Funding: EUR 4,000 per winning project (one per strand).
  • Visibility: Featured on ENCC website and across European networks.
  • Conference Participation: Representatives of winning centres are invited to the ENCC conference in Lisbon, May 2026 (travel and accommodation covered).
  • Networking & Dissemination: Opportunities for international collaboration and sharing best practices.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • Project description aligned with one of the three thematic strands.
  • Information about the socio-cultural centre, including mission, community outreach, and governance.
  • Registration for a Participant Identification Code (PIC) if awarded.
  • Submissions must be in line with ENCC guidelines (see official application portal).

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
  • Project Implementation: May – October 2026
  • Follow-up Report Due: 15 November 2026
  • Conference Participation: May 2026, Lisbon

Location

Lisbon, Portugal

Additional Details

  • Winning projects are selected through a combination of online public voting and evaluation by an expert jury.
  • Each organisation may submit multiple applications, but only one grant is awarded per organisation.
  • Costs related to project implementation are eligible for the grant.

Website Link: https://encc.eu/articles/up-grants-2026