Several European funding programmes are currently open or forthcoming.
The following calls may interest organisations working in heritage interpretation, museums, and cultural heritage. Please always check the original links for full, up-to-date details and how to apply.
A good place to start is the overview of open calls maintained by the European Commission:
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/funding/calls
European Cooperation Projects (Creative Europe)
Under the Creative Europe Programme, the European Cooperation Projects call supports cross-border cultural collaboration.
Deadline: 5 May 2026
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/news/2026-creative-europe-call-for-european-cooperation-projects-open
Projects may focus on:
- transnational cooperation between cultural organisations
- innovative cultural practices
- audience development and participation
- sustainability and inclusion in cultural work
Projects must involve multiple partners from different European countries, making them well suited for networks of heritage sites, museums, and interpretation organisations.
Creative Innovation Lab
Also part of Creative Europe’s cross-sectoral strand, this call supports experimentation and innovation across cultural sectors.
Deadline: 23 April 2026
https://creativeeurope.in.ua/en/call/crea_cross_2026_innovlab
Topics include:
- digital tools and new cultural business models
- AI and immersive technologies
- cross-sector collaboration (e.g. heritage, audiovisual, gaming.
This may be relevant for projects exploring digital interpretation means, virtual exhibitions, and similar
Research and Innovation Projects (Horizon Europe)
The EU research programme Horizon Europe regularly publishes calls under Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society.
These calls often support research and pilot projects on themes such as:
- participatory heritage and cultural engagement
- digital transformation of heritage
- social inclusion through culture
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
Cultural initiatives linked to the New European Bauhaus
Projects combining culture, sustainability, and community engagement may also find opportunities linked to the New European Bauhaus. https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu
Tip: Many EU programmes require international partnerships, so organisations considering applying should start exploring potential partners and project ideas well ahead of the deadlines.
EU funding opportunities for the natural heritage sector
LIFE Programme
The LIFE Programme is the EU’s main funding instrument for nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental action. It supports projects implemented by NGOs, public authorities, universities, and other organisations.
Typical projects range from €1–5 million and run for 3–5 years.
2026 Calls
Expected publication: 21 April 2026
LIFE Info Days: 28–30 April 2026
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2026_en
Key sub-programmes include:
- Nature and Biodiversity – habitat restoration, species protection, Natura 2000 management
- Circular Economy and Quality of Life – pollution reduction, environmental solutions
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Clean Energy Transition
This programme is particularly relevant for natural heritage organisations, including projects focused on:
- biodiversity conservation
- ecosystem restoration
- nature interpretation and visitor engagement in protected areas
- community participation in nature protection
Horizon Europe – Cluster 6
The EU research programme Horizon Europe funds research and innovation on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Upcoming call (2026) opening: 17 April 2026
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en
These calls are best suited to research institutes, universities, and large partnerships, but NGOs and heritage organisations can participate as partners.
To cite this article: IE News Team (2026) “Funding opportunities”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026, p. 30–31.
Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026.
