Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, UK Branch

The foundation supports a range of cause areas including arts, culture, education, environmental sustainability and community development. In the arts, it funds projects that expand programming of international arts and connections to art from Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries, advancing visibility of artists from those regions. It also supports community development through initiatives like the Civic Tech UK-Portugal Exchange Programme, which promotes democratic innovation using technology. For Armenian communities, it funds projects in education, arts, culture and heritage, with priorities including the Western Armenian Language, cultural creativity support, and research and critical engagement. The foundation funds project delivery, research, events and training across the UK, Portugal and Armenia. It does not fund capital works, core costs or salaries.

The foundation funds registered charities, social enterprises, community groups, civil society organisations, researchers, academic institutions and public entities. Some programmes also accept individuals, particularly for Armenian community initiatives. Beneficiaries include the general public and young people. Applicants should be based or operating in the UK, Ireland, Portugal or Armenia, depending on the programme. The foundation welcomes unsolicited applications and does not restrict funding by faith. Organisations with an active grant from the foundation at the time of application are automatically excluded from applying for a new grant.

The foundation does not fund capital projects, core costs, salaries or emergency relief. It also excludes projects focused primarily on architecture and design, and purely online or private initiatives. Generally, it does not fund individuals except in specific programmes for Armenian communities. The same or similar project cannot be submitted more than once in any given year.

The foundation typically funds project-based work rather than core costs. Many programmes require match funding. It supports project delivery, research, events and training. The foundation welcomes unsolicited applications and works through distinct programmes with different themes and eligibility criteria. It fosters partnerships and capacity-building, often with an international dimension.