The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) Grant Programme was set up in 2026 by the European Cultural Foundation and the Historical Archives of the European Union at the European University Institute.
The programme was created to valorise and encourage engagement with the ECF's archival holdings, which were deposited at the HAEU in Florence in 2025.
The European Cultural Foundation archives
The European Cultural Foundation archives
In 2026, three research grants are supported by the European Cultural Foundation.
- A creative research fellowship on "ERASMUS and the Making of European Belonging", with a grant of €10,000 including travel, accommodation and living expenses. Apply by 1 December 2026.
- An academic research grant of €5,000 to support a research stay at the HAEU, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses. (Call now closed.)
- An artistic research grant of €10,000 to support a research stay at the HAEU, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses, as well as artistic production. (Call now closed).
Selected candidates will conduct their research at the HAEU, embedded in the international scholarly community of the European University Institute in Florence.
Objectives and outcomes
The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) Grant Programme aims to foster new research and creative work engaging with the history of the European Cultural Foundation and the broader role of culture in shaping Europe as a shared space of imagination, cooperation, and solidarity. It encourages projects that not only examine ECF’s historical activities, networks, and ideas, but also draw on this legacy to reflect on Europe’s cultural, intellectual, and civic dimensions today.
Selected candidates are expected to work substantially with the ECF archival holdings — primarily in English, with significant material in French, German, and Dutch, and additional languages occasionally represented.
Creative research fellowship
Professional creative practitioners are invited to make proposals that explore the ECF's archives in Florence for a project that:
- evidences the European Cultural Foundation’s role in the development and implementation of ERASMUS, using the ECF archives as a primary source.
- explores what ERASMUS has meant for European belonging, and what its history can tell us about the relationship between education, exchange and people’s experience of Europe.
- asks what a next ERASMUS could be — and what could help bring Europe closer to people today.
Academic research grant
Projects should provide a critical and well-contextualised analysis of an aspect of ECF’s history, networks, programmes, or broader contribution to cultural and intellectual cooperation in Europe. Research conducted under this grant scheme should result in a scholarly output such as:
- A peer-reviewed article
- A research-based report or essay intended for an academic or specialist readership
- A scholarly book or book chapter
Artistic research grant
The grant encourages artistic work that connects archival research to contemporary questions and future imaginaries. Expected outcomes may, for instance, include:
- A film, audio work, podcast series, or multimedia production
- A visual art project, exhibition, or installation
- A performance, dramaturgical work, or live research format
- A literary or hybrid narrative work grounded in archival research
Eligibility, application procedure and deadlines
Complete details on eligibility, how to apply and application deadlines for each grant may be found on the ECF website.
Candidates must apply through the online application form.
Discover open calls at the ECF
Discover open calls at the ECF
Applications and all supporting documentation must be submitted in English.
Selection process and criteria
Applications will be jointly assessed by the ECF and the HAEU based on the following criteria:
Originality and clarity
The proposal demonstrates originality, clarity, and coherence in both its content and the quality of its research or artistic approach.
Relevance
The proposal contributes meaningfully to reflections on culture in Europe, including its cultural, civic, and imaginative dimensions.
Engagement with the ECF archives
The proposal demonstrates a clear, relevant, and well-considered use of the ECF archival holdings at the HAEU.
Feasibility
The applicant has the capacity to carry out the proposed project, based on experience, profile, and the coherence of the proposed approach.
Dissemination and public engagement
The clarity and credibility of the proposed strategy for sharing the project’s outcomes with an appropriate audience.
The selection process follows principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination, regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, race, colour, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender.
Research support and contacts
During their stay, selected applicants will be primarily supported by the archival staff of the HAEU, who serve as the main point of contact for access to archival materials and on-site research in Florence.
The ECF remains available to answer questions about its history, programmes, and past activities.
Applicants should note that while ECF’s historical institutional archives are held at the HAEU, additional materials such as publications, project documentation, and grant-supported publications are held at the Foundation’s office in Amsterdam and are not part of its holdings at the HAEU.
More information
Questions about the ECF Grant Programme may be directly addressed to the ECF: lgablier@culturalfoundation.eu