The Makiya–Kufa Gallery awards grants of up to USD 15,000 to individuals and organisations delivering projects that advance public understanding of Arab Islamic culture, from a single public event to an 18-month programme.
Applications for the 2026 round are open from 1 August to 30 September 2026.
How To Apply:
1. Read these guidelines in full before starting your application. 2. Download the application form from www.makiyafoundation.org. 3. Complete all sections and gather your supporting documents. 4. Submit your completed form and all attachments by email to trustees[at]makiyafoundation[dot]org by 30 September 2026. Please label all attachments clearly with your name and project title.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Trustees of the Makiya–Kufa Gallery, staff members, their business partners, or close family members • Any individual or organisation with a current open grant from the Makiya–Kufa Gallery • Any individual serving on the current year’s reviewer panel
What We Fund
We support projects that advance public education about Arab Islamic culture, including: • Architecture • Visual arts • Music • Literature and published works • Printed matter and related disciplines
Funded activities may include applicant time directly spent on the project, venue hire, artist and lecturer fees, materials and equipment, travel and accommodation, marketing and publicity, publications and exhibitions, and community engagement.
What We Dont Fund
• Organisational overheads or core staff salaries not directly tied to the funded project • Projects already underway or completed before the grant agreement is signed • General running costs of institutions • Projects unrelated to Arab Islamic culture or public education • Activities that do not deliver a clear and demonstrable benefit to the public • Activities that benefit a closed or private group rather than a broad public audience
How Applications Are Assessed
All complete applications are reviewed by a panel of three independent reviewers. A majority vote in favour is required for a grant to be awarded. All applicants receive written feedback regardless of outcome.
Applications are assessed against seven criteria:
Criterion 1 — Charitable objects and public benefit: Does the project demonstrably advance public education about Arab Islamic culture, including architecture, visual arts, music, or literature, and deliver clear, accessible benefit to a broad public audience?
Criterion 2 — Mission alignment: How closely does the project align with the Makiya–Kufa Gallery’s charitable mission and the specific disciplines named in its objects?
Criterion 3 — Quality and originality: Is the proposal well conceived, original, and clearly articulated?
Criterion 4 — Feasibility and methodology: Is the project realistic and deliverable within the proposed budget, timeline, and duration?
Criterion 5 — Impact and reach: What is the potential educational and cultural benefit for public audiences, and how broad and accessible is the project’s reach?
Criterion 6 — Value for money: Is the grant amount proportionate to the scale and outcomes proposed?
Criterion 7 — Applicant capacity and track record: Does the applicant demonstrate the experience, skills, and capacity to deliver?
Grants Conditions
Successful applicants will receive a formal grant agreement before any funds are disbursed. Payment is made in instalments tied to agreed milestones. If the panel awards a grant lower than the amount requested, you will be asked to submit a revised budget before the grant agreement is signed.
Grant recipients are required to: • Submit a progress report at the project’s midpoint, accompanied by a financial statement (for projects of six months or longer) • Submit a final report within two months of project completion, including a narrative account of outcomes, a full financial breakdown, and an impact assessment • Acknowledge the Makiya–Kufa Gallery’s support in all project outputs, publications, events, and communications
2026 Timeline
Date
Milestone
1 August 2026
Applications open
30 September 2026
Application deadline
October 2026
Independent review and panel meeting
November 2026
All applicants have been notified with written feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from outside the United Kingdom?
Yes. The programme is open worldwide with no geographic restrictions.
Can I apply as an individual without an institutional affiliation?
Yes. Independent researchers are welcome to apply.
My project requires more than USD 15,000. Can I still apply?
The Annual Grants Programme is capped at USD 15,000. If your project requires more, please contact us at trustees@makiyafoundation[.]org to discuss whether it may be suitable for other support before applying.
Can I submit more than one application?
One application per applicant per round.
Can I apply for a project that has already started?
No. We do not fund retrospective costs for projects already underway or completed before the grant agreement is signed.
Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
Yes. Written feedback is provided to every applicant regardless of outcome. This is a firm commitment of the Makiya–Kufa Gallery’s grant programme.
What happens if I am awarded less than I requested?
You will be asked to submit a revised budget before the grant agreement is signed.
I have a question not answered here. Who do I contact?
Please contact us at trustees@makiyafoundation[.]org. All concerns about the application process or a funding decision are acknowledged within 10 working days and investigated by a trustee not involved in the original decision.
