The program provides financial assistance to projects that foster Filipino creativity, safeguard cultural heritage, strengthen cultural communities, and expand public access to arts and culture.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has officially opened the call for proposals for its 2027 Competitive Grants Program, inviting artists, cultural workers, researchers, local government units, educational institutions, indigenous peoples’ organizations, non-government organizations, and other cultural stakeholders to submit projects that promote, preserve, develop, and disseminate Philippine arts and culture.
Anchored on Republic Act No. 7356, the Competitive Grants Program is one of the NCCA’s core initiatives in supporting cultural development nationwide through the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA).
For the 2027 grant cycle, the NCCA encourages proposals that respond to the country’s evolving cultural landscape while aligning with the Commission’s mandate and the strategic priorities of its four subcommissions: Arts, Cultural Heritage, Cultural Dissemination, and Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts. Through the annual program, the Commission continues to empower communities and institutions to implement meaningful cultural initiatives that enrich national identity and promote inclusive development.
Interested proponents must first secure NCCA accreditation to qualify for the grants program. Applicants must also have no unliquidated grants or derogatory records with the NCCA or any government agency. Complete project proposals may be submitted via email or courier.
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The deadline for proposal submissions is August 31, 2026 (Monday), at 11:59 p.m. Philippine Standard Time, as announced on the official NCCA website.
To help prospective applicants prepare their submissions, the NCCA will conduct nationwide Competitive Grants Program roadshows featuring orientation sessions and technical assistance on proposal writing, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and the application process. The roadshows aim to make the grants program more accessible to cultural practitioners and organizations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The island cluster roadshows will be held in Baguio on July 21 for Luzon; Bacolod on July 27 for Visayas; and Davao City on July 28 for Mindanao. Exact venues will be announced in the coming days through the NCCA Facebook page, where QR codes for pre-registration are also available. An online roadshow for project proponents from the National Capital Region will likewise be held on July 21.
Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines, proposal categories, and documentary requirements before submitting their applications.
For complete details on the 2027 Competitive Grants Program, visit NCCA.
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