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 June to 1 July 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 1 July 2026. Please label all attachments clearly with your name and project title.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications are welcome from individuals and organisations worldwide. There are no geographic restrictions. We welcome applications from:
• Individual researchers • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) • Universities and academic institutions • Cultural institutions
Who Cannot Apply:
The following are not eligible to apply:
• 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 — two or more reviewers — is required for a grant to be awarded. All applicants receive written feedback regardless of outcome.
Applications are assessed against seven criteria:
1. Charitable objects and public benefit Does the project advance public education about Arab Islamic culture and deliver clear, accessible benefits to a broad public audience?
2. Mission alignment How closely does the project align with the Makiya–Kufa Gallery’s mission and the disciplines it supports?
3. Quality and originality Is the proposal well-conceived, original, and clearly articulated?
4. Feasibility and methodology Is the project realistic and deliverable within the proposed budget, timeline, and duration?
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?
6. Value for money Is the grant amount proportionate to the proposed scale and outcomes?
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
What To Include
Your submission email must include:
•The completed application form with all sections filled in
•All CVs compiled into a single PDF
•One signed letter of endorsement as a single PDF
•Annual accounts for the most recent completed financial year as a single PDF (organisations only)
•A table of contents and writing sample as a separate PDF (publications and written works only)
2026 Timeline
Date
Milestone
1 June 2026
Applications open
1 July 2026
Application deadline
July–August 2026
Independent review and panel meeting
August 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. Individual 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.
What happens if my application is placed on the reserve list?
You will be notified that your application was strong but could not be funded in this round due to budget constraints. You are encouraged to reapply in the next round.
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.
