Support for the implementation of the European Heritage Label

Support for the activities of the network of European Heritage Label (EHL) sites, aimed at learning, exchange of experience, cooperation, and the creation of opportunities for EHL stakeholders.

What is the purpose of the funding?

The call is aimed at financing one project that will perform the functions of a secretariat for the EHL Network. The main objectives are to:

• Support the network of EHL sites by fostering learning, exchanges, and cooperation among stakeholders.
• Ensure the sustainability of the European Heritage Label and accompany the work of EHL sites.
• Strengthen the presence of the EHL, the impact of its activities, and the development of a shared vision among its members.
• Channel resources towards community-wide actions and site-level projects in order to create tangible benefits for citizens.

Who can apply?

• In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
  • be legal entities (public or private bodies)
  • be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
  • Creative Europe Participating Countries:
    • EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories
      (OCTs)
    • non-EU countries:
      • listed EEA countries and countries associated to the Creative
        Europe Programme (list of participating countries)
      • other eligibility conditions:
• Applicant(s) must be active in the culture heritage sector

Both applications by single applicants and proposals submitted by a consortium are allowed. Proposals that will be submitted by a consortium, must have at least 2 applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities), which complies with the following :

• minimum 2 independent entities from eligible countries

Funding available for

Projects that will act as a secretariat for the EHL Network and implement activities in line with all the priorities of the call. Activities must be structured into Work Packages, in particular:

• Project management and coordination (WP1).
• Increasing the presence and comprehension of the EHL action (WP2): visibility and communication activities, multilingual tools (“Translation Bank”), organisation of award ceremonies.
• Capacity building (Training and upskilling) (WP3): trainings, advice on EU funding, support in developing activities.
• Capacity building (Networking and funding) (WP4): financial support to EHL sites (cascade grants) for the implementation of their action plans and joint projects.
• Fostering cooperation among European heritage actors (WP5): synergies with other EU initiatives (for example DiscoverEU, European Heritage Days), use of AI for cultural heritage.

The duration of projects should normally not exceed 40 months.

Priorities: Projects must contribute to the achievement of the Overarching EU priorities and comply with the specific priorities of the call.

Overarching EU priorities: Applicants must describe how they will contribute to EU efforts towards the green transition (Green Deal), the digital transition, as well as the priorities of inclusion and gender equality.

Specific priorities of the call:

• Increasing the presence and comprehension of the EHL action: enhancing visibility, creating a shared narrative, supporting multilingualism.
• Capacity building of EHL stakeholders: training, upskilling, networking, and providing financial support to third parties (EHL sites).
• Fostering cooperation: building synergies with other cultural heritage initiatives and engaging young people.

Priority types of activities: In accordance with the conditions of the call, activities should give priority to:

1. Site-level and regional projects that have clear European visibility.
2. Schemes supporting multilingualism and translation to ensure broad accessibility.
3. Joint cross-border initiatives demonstrating high cost-effectiveness (value for money).

Budget requirements and allocation of resources:
Applicants must allocate the larger part of the project budget to activities that directly benefit EHL sites. This can be implemented:

• Directly: through financial support to third parties (cascade grants).
• Indirectly: through national coordinators, capacity building, trainings, applicant support, EHL ceremonies, joint communication campaigns, etc.

Staff costs related to management and coordination (WP1) must remain proportionate.

Synergy and geography:
Projects must create synergies and foster dialogue with other networks, in particular those funded by the Creative Europe programme. While grant activities and network building must take place in EHL participating countries, relevant communication activities may also be organised in other countries, for example in candidate countries.

How much can you apply for?

The total budget of the call amounts to €3,000,000. One project is expected to be funded. The grant is awarded in the form of a Lump Sum, determined on the basis of the project’s estimated budget and a co-financing rate of 90%.

Within the project, financial support to third parties (cascade grants) for EHL sites is permitted and encouraged. The maximum amount per third party is €60,000 (unless otherwise justified in the application).

How can you apply?

• Read and download the call document for Support to the implementation of the European Heritage Label 2026 in order to check eligibility and requirements.
• Applications are processed through the European Commission's Funding & Tender Opportunities Portal (F&TP).
• Detailed information on how to access the F&T Portal.