Tag Archives: Grants
HerMaP Mexico project gains momentum
An oral history and heritage workshop
HerMaP Mexico, HERIΤΛGE’s major initiative to support cultural heritage in Mexico’s northern border states is now in full motion. After crossing the six-month mark of the project, we carried out an intensive, month-long field visit across four states of Mexico’s northern border: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. This on-site engagement allowed us to strengthen partnerships, deliver specialized training, and continue mapping capacity needs across the region.
Throughout the visit, we engaged with a wide range of stakeholders who have been progressively involved in the project. These included representatives from local and federal government bodies, universities, key institutional partners such as the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, and, crucially, community-led initiatives and associations working on the ground to safeguard heritage.
At this stage of the project, the numbers reflect the momentum and progress achieved so far, as well as the strong interest and commitment of heritage professionals and practitioners in northern Mexico:
- Two workshops on Oral History and Heritage have been delivered
- 40 professionals have been trained
- One formal collaboration agreement has been signed
- Two radio programs have been recorded
- Three talks were delivered to university students in tourism, arts, and social project management in the “Heritage Days” Program of Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)
- More than 50 students have been reached through these talks
- One heritage community networking workshop was conducted
- 80+ applications have been received for the grants program
- 100 stakeholders have been mapped through the ongoing mapping process
Beyond these quantitative results, we have witnessed a deep and inspiring commitment across all sectors to the safeguarding, promotion, and sustainable use of local heritage as a driver for development.
The northern border of Mexico is extraordinarily rich and diverse. Its heritage spans marine and coastal landscapes, vast desert and sierra ecosystems, and vibrant cultural expressions rooted in centuries-old traditions. This diversity also includes significant industrial heritage: factories, railways, mining sites, and infrastructure that tell the story of the region’s economic and social transformations. Together, these tangible and intangible elements form a complex and layered cultural landscape.
Through our conversations with heritage practitioners, community leaders, and institutional actors, we have gained a deeper understanding not only of this richness, but also of the challenges that shape the region today. These include issues of preservation, resource allocation, security and the need to balance development with the protection of cultural identity.
We are excited to continue building on the strong collaborations established during this first phase. We remain deeply grateful for the generosity, hospitality, and openness we have encountered, which have been instrumental in reaching these important milestones.
In the coming months, we will expand our activities with a new series of online trainings focused on community engagement and economic development, tailored specifically to the context of the six northern border states and delivered in Spanish.
New grants initiative for northern Mexico
We are very happy to announce a brand new call for grants for heritage projects in Mexico. Our new call for proposals is aimed at organizations, groups, and individuals working with cultural heritage in northern Mexico, in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Sonora and Tamaulipas. HERITΛGE will offer grants ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000 per project.
The grants are part of the HerMaP-Mexico, an initiative to strengthen cultural heritage management and networks in northern Mexico. They will fund projects that focus on the protection of and/or promotion of local heritage for socio-economic development across the Mexico’s six northern border states.
All projects must clearly focus on the protection, safeguarding, strengthening, and/or promotion of local heritage, from approaches that recognize its cultural, social, and community value.
There are three main criteria for selecting proposals under this program:
- Sustainability- Priority will be given to projects that generate a lasting impact and whose positive effects extend beyond the support period.
- Capacity building and network strengthening – Projects that contribute to strengthening local capacities and establishing or consolidating links with similar organizations within heritage management networks will be encouraged.
- Concrete and Community Impact – Priority will be given to proposals that present clear, measurable, and verifiable results in terms of heritage protection and direct benefits for local communities. Each project must define specific indicators of the expected impact.
This call for proposals is the first phase of the selection process. Following an initial review, the shortlisted projects will be invited to submit an expanded and more detailed proposal. These complete proposals will be evaluated by the HerMaP Mexico program’s Support Committee.
The deadline for submitting proposals for this first phase is April 15, 2026. The final selection of supported projects will be announced no later than July 2026.
Sixth Online Networking Convening of Africa Grantees
On 10 December 2025, the HERITΛGE Africa Grants Team held the sixth online networking convening for grantees awarded in 2024. The meeting brought together grantees, HERITΛGE staff, members of the Re-granting Committee, representatives of the Mellon Foundation, and other African donors, with 45 attendees. After welcoming remarks by Richard A. Brown, seven grantees shared their projects. These ranged from documenting traditional boat-making in Mauritius and supporting cultural teaching in Senegal to safeguarding heritage industries in Sudan and revitalising museums in Chad and Ghana.
“Hearing the diverse experiences of colleagues across Africa reminded me that we are part of a wider heritage community, facing similar challenges, but also drawing inspiration and new ideas from one another.”
After the presentations, grantees’ refelcted on presenting their work and learning from one another. Participants discussed how the experience of sharing their projects encouraged them to reconsider elements of documentation, community engagement, and youth involvement in heritage work. Several grantees noted that hearing from others sparked new thinking about how to approach their own initiatives and opened possibilities for collaboration across contexts.
The sixth convening highlighted the strength of these gatherings in creating a space for peer learning, shared reflection, and mutual support, reinforcing HERITΛGE’s commitment to fostering heritage initiatives across Africa.
The participants and projects featured were:
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Dr. Jayshree Mungur-Medhi, Mauritius: ‘Living the Heritage in Vieux Grand Port – Documentation and Transmission of Traditional Boat Making’
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Abdoulaye Diao Noumounthi, Senegal: ‘ElleSolaire Cultural Academy’
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Dr. Gafar Ali Fadol Ibrahim, Sudan: ‘Safeguarding Living Cultural Heritage in the Sudan at the Time of Conflict: Documentation of Cultural Industries (Pottery and Basketry) of Sinkat Locality in the Red Sea State’
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Yaw Mankatah Asare, Ghana: ‘Abibikwantuo (AK) Indigenous Sustainability Hub’
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Ngague Gaga Taguimbi, Chad (presenting on behalf of Ganda Bini Djabou): ‘Restoration and revitalization of the Sarh Museum’
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Prof. Pastory Magayane Bushozi, Tanzania: ‘Conservation and Promotion of Cultural Sites in the Eyasi Basin, Tanzania’
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Isaak Aduko, Ghana: ‘Protection, preservation and promotion of Fort Fredericksburg’
This was the sixth out of six planned events aimed at showcasing projects funded through our Small Grants for African Heritage Projects initiative, made possible through generous funding by the Mellon Foundation. 75 projects have received around $1 million in funding. You can read more about the specific projects on our Africa Grants page.
Fifth Online Networking Convening of Africa Grantees
Building Peace Across Borders in East Africa. Members of women’s forums are enjoying their newfound voice and role in cross border peace building. USAID’s PEACE III supports key actors, including local leaders, women and youth in the targeted cross-border cluster areas to deepen and broaden transformative social reconciliation processes.
More:
Photo Credit: Tine Frank /USAID East Africa Regional. Original public domain image from Flickr
On 29 October 2025, the HERITΛGE Africa Grants Team hosted its fifth network convening bringing together grantees, HERITΛGE staff, Re-granting Committee members, representatives from the Mellon Foundation, and other African donors. 65 people attended the meeting. The convening differed from previous ones as it included simultaneous interpretation to accommodate Francophone speakers, who represented the majority of presenters, which was valuable.
The session opened with welcoming remarks from Richard A. Brown, with eleven grantees then presenting their work. These covered projects in Guinea, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Cameroon, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire. Projects ranged from mapping and documenting cultural heritage in Guinea to the restoration of cultural sites and the promotion of sustainable tourism and heritage museums across Africa.*
Following the presentations, participants joined breakout rooms organised by project type. These smaller groups facilitated discussions on challenges faced during project implementation, opportunities for collaboration, and strategies for engaging local communities and governments. Participants shared experiences, best practices, and networking contacts, highlighting the value of HERITΛGE workshops and the importance of training in areas such as heritage marketing, documentation, and sustainable tourism.
This fifth convening reinforced the importance of these gatherings as spaces for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and fostering collaboration across diverse heritage projects. It also highlighted the need to maintain inclusive practices, such as interpretation services, to ensure all grantees can actively participate. HERITΛGE will continue to provide support and explore structured plans for future in-person and virtual engagements.
*Lansana Keita, Guinea: ‘Mapping and documenting cultural heritage of Guinée Forestière’
Franck Serge Wouantègnon Alokpowanou, Benin: ‘Renovation and innovative management of the Ondo sacred forest of Pobe’
Louis Hermann Tinwende Nikiema, Burkina Faso: ‘Restoration of Cultural Heritage’ (‘Restauration du Patrimonie Culturel’)
Katalay Katy Bumba Jean-Paul, Democratic Republic of Congo: ‘Transformation of the colonial residence in a tourism and community center’
Adiza Amadou, Niger: ‘Preserving the Tradition of Handweaving in Niger’
Dr Loumpet Germain, Cameroon: ‘Conservation and Enhancement of a Biodiversity Site Among the Pygmies (Sauvegarde, valorisation un site de biodiversité chez les Pygmées)’
Mfitundinda Herbert, Uganda: ‘Enhancing Indigenous Batwa Livelihood Through Cultural Heritage Experiences in Uganda’
Geofrey Junior Waako, Uganda: ‘Cultural Oasis: Jinja’s Sustainable Heritage Hub’
Adeoluwa Onamade, Nigeria: ‘Sustainable Project to strengthen Bilikisu-Sungbo heritage’
Hassan Refaat Hassan Badawy, Egypt: ‘Documentation and Marketing of El- Quseir’s ICH for Sustainable Community Development’
Edi Ako Victorien Constant, Cote d’Ivoire: ‘Cooperative Training in the Animation of a Community Agricultural Museum in Agboville: The MCAA Project’ (‘Formation coopérative à l’animation d’un Musée Communautaire Agricole à Agboville : Le Projet MCAA’)
This was the fifth out of six planned events aimed at showcasing projects funded through our Small Grants for African Heritage Projects initiative, made possible through generous funding by the Mellon Foundation. 75 projects have received around $1million in funding. You can read more about the specific projects on our Africa Grants page which is continually being updated.
Fourth Online Networking Convening of Africa Grantees
On 3 September 2025, the HERITΛGE Africa Grants Team held the fourth online networking convening for grantees awarded in 2024. The meeting brought together grantees, Heritage staff, committee members, Mellon Foundation representatives, and other African donors, with 76 attendees.
After welcoming remarks by Richard A. Brown and an introduction to the day’s agenda by HERITΛGE Director, Evangelos Kyriakidis, eleven grantees shared their projects. These ranged from protecting Ethiopia’s Azwa Maryam Monastery to revitalizing Namibia’s Oshikulu Cultural Village, and from creating inclusive museum spaces in South Africa to empowering community-based tourism in Rwanda.
“What we are learning, we are impacting our communities and our leadership to say that this is what we are, where we are going and all of these have been made possible just because we are part of this fellowship”
Moses Mkumpha, Malawi
Following the presentations, the conversation turned to capacity-building and HERITΛGE’s training programmes. Past participants shared how these courses had strengthened their projects, expanded their professional networks, and provided practical skills in fundraising, project management, and heritage conservation. Grantees from Sudan, Nigeria, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Namibia* described how the trainings had been transformative, enabling them to achieve higher success in proposal writing, project implementation, and community engagement, while also inspiring leadership and innovation. The breakout discussions allowed participants to continue sharing experiences and reflect on how these opportunities enhanced their work and impact.
The fourth convening highlighted the value of combining financial support with professional development, reinforcing HERITΛGE’s commitment to strengthening heritage initiatives across Africa and fostering a growing community of heritage professionals. The session left participants energised and motivated to apply their learnings, collaborate across borders, and continue advancing the preservation and promotion of African heritage.
The participants and projects featured were:
Getaneh Addis Tessema, Ethiopia: ‘Protection and Promotion of Azwa Maryam Monastery’
Francis Kwarayire, Ghana: ‘Re-use of Old Cocoa Shed Building as a Contemporary Art Museum’
Aisha Pearl Mayekiso, South Africa: ‘Creating inclusive museum spaces, products, and services for all’
Adebunmi Akinbo, Nigeria: ‘Restoring Ilukwe House – A research center promoting Nigerian heritage’
Gasenone Kediseng, Botswana: ‘Khama III Memorial Museum Kitchen and Restaurant’
Dounama Biri, Niger: ‘Art Culture and Heritage of the Women of Boubon Niger’
Foday Dampha, The Gambia: ‘Rehabilitation of Genieri Community Museum and Building of Human Capacities’
Ahmed Magem, Nigeria: ‘Restoration, Preservation and Protection of Tangale Culture and Heritage’
Ursha Faal, The Gambia: ‘Fulani Heritage Haven’
Greg Bacunzi, Rwanda: ‘Empowering Youth and Women in Community-based Tourism’
Serak S O Shidhudhu, Namibia: ‘Oshikulu Cultural Village – Revitalizing Cultural Roots: Safeguarding Heritage, Empowering Communities’
This was the fourth out of six planned events aimed at showcasing projects funded through our Small Grants for African Heritage Projects initiative, made possible through generous funding by the Mellon Foundation. 75 projects have received around $1million in funding. You can read more about the specific projects on our Africa Grants page.
Gambia President visits Jufureh museum supported by HERITΛGE
In a strong show of support for the preservation of The Gambia’s cultural heritage, His Excellency President Adama Barrow visited the Jufureh Heritage Village Museum in the North Bank Region. The visit marks a proud moment for HERITΛGE, as the new museum has been made possible with funding from our Small Grants for African Heritage funded by the Mellon Foundation—and our HerMaP Gambia initiative, funded by the European Union.
The Jufureh Heritage Village Museum, developed by the Alamanding Foundation, is a community-driven initiative dedicated to safeguarding traditional knowledge, skills, and stories for future generations. More than a space for preserving artefacts, it serves as a living museum—a place where culture thrives through civic education, environmental awareness, artisan workshops, and storytelling gatherings at Banta Baa, a communal hub for cultural exchange.
At the heart of the project is the construction of a traditional Mandinka homestead, built using local materials and techniques that reflect the authenticity of rural Gambian life. The homestead complements an already completed Fulani compound, together forming a vibrant cultural complex that celebrates the shared heritage of the Mandinka and Fula communities of the Niumi District.
The initiative also supports sustainability and community empowerment. A solar-powered borehole has been installed to provide clean water and electricity to the site, ensuring that the museum operates in an environmentally responsible way. Meanwhile, 12 local stakeholders—including tour guides, museum staff, and tourism officials—have been trained by HERITΛGE in oral history collection, heritage interpretation, and cultural tourism marketing.
These activities are already generating impact. The museum has become a focal point for visitors seeking deeper engagement with Gambian heritage and for locals who see their traditions valued and sustained.
HERITΛGE is proud to have contributed to a project that not only preserves heritage but also creates opportunities, strengthens local identity, and demonstrates the power of community-led action. President Barrow’s visit is a testament to the national importance of such efforts and to the shared vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable future for heritage in The Gambia.
You can now visit the museum and find out more about Jufureh’s heritage. Find out more here.
*HERITΛGE’s Small Grants for Africa Initiative is supported by the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place program. This project has also received funding from EU-funded HerMaP Gambia.