The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) officially opens its Call for Proposals for the Calendar Year 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 project proposals that contribute to the preservation, promotion, development, and dissemination of Philippine arts and culture.
Anchored in Republic Act No. 7356, the Competitive Grants Program remains one of the Commission’s core mandates in supporting cultural development across the country through the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA). The program provides financial assistance to projects that uphold Filipino creativity, safeguard cultural heritage, strengthen cultural communities, and expand access to arts and culture nationwide.
For the 2027 cycle, the NCCA encourages proposals that respond to the country’s evolving cultural landscape while remaining aligned 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 this annual program, the Commission continues to empower communities and institutions to create meaningful cultural initiatives that enrich national identity and promote inclusive development.
Interested proponents needs to first secure an NCCA accreditation to ensure the Grant’s eligibility. Proponents shouldn’t have any unliquidated grants or derogatory records with the NCCA or any government agency. Complete project proposals may be submitted through email or courier.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 31 August 2026, Monday, 11:59 PM (Philippine Standard Time) as posted on the official NCCA Website.
To assist prospective applicants, the NCCA is also set to conduct nationwide Competitive Grants Program Roadshows to provide orientation and technical assistance sessions on project proposal writing and preparation, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and the general application process. The roadshows aim to make the grants program more accessible by reaching cultural practitioners and organizations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The island cluster roadshows will be held in Baguio City on July 21, 2026 (Tuesday) for Luzon, in Bacolod City on July 27, 2026 (Monday) for Visayas, and in Davao City on July 28, 2026 (Tuesday) for Mindanao. Exact venues for all roadshows will be announced in the following days on the NCCA Facebook page. QR codes for the pre-registration of all roadshows are currently posted on the NCCA Facebook page as well.
For interested project proponents based in the National Capital Region, an online roadshow will also be held for the NCR Cluster on July 21, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines, proposal categories, and documentary requirements before submission. For the complete material on the Competitive Grants Program for 2027, visit https://ncca.gov.ph/ncca-competitive-grants-program. And, for more details, visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.