Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme

Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS) is a central government scheme run by the Ministry of Culture. It offers money help to not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, societies, trusts, and universities so that they can host cultural events such as seminars, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and research projects that promote Indian art and heritage. The Ministry of Culture has invited applications under the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) umbrella for the grant year 2026-27, and the scheme stays open for proposals throughout the year.

Ministry of Culture has invited applications for the 48th Meeting of the Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme (CFPGS). As per the official notice, the last date to submit proposals was 7 July 2026, and this date was later extended. The scheme page on culture.gov.in was last updated on 12 August 2026, which confirms that the scheme remains current and open for eligible organizations.

Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme - Introduction

Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme is launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to support arts and heritage. This scheme covers all not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, societies, trusts, and universities for organizing seminars, conferences, research, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, symposia, drama, music, and small research projects related to different aspects of Indian culture.

Organizations can use this money help for the following purposes:

1. Holding conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia, festivals, exhibitions, or producing dance, drama, theatre, and music events, and taking up small research on important cultural matters.
2. Meeting spending on development work, such as running cultural surveys or pilot projects, including their publications.

Installments: Grant is released in two installments, 75% as the first installment and 25% as the second installment.

Mode of Payment: The government makes all payments only through electronic transfers.

Accounting Procedures: Organizations must keep separate accounts for grants received from the central government. Their accounts remain open to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or its nominee. For example, if Anjali Foundation gets a grant for a cultural workshop, it must send a statement of accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant to show how the money was used. If this certificate is not given, the government asks the organization to refund the entire grant with interest. Also, no foreign delegation can be invited without permission from the Ministry of External Affairs, which must be routed through the Ministry of Culture.

Output of the Scheme: Organizations are required to upload videos of their production or event on YouTube and give a link to the Ministry of Culture website or its social media pages.

Key Information

Benefits

This scheme provides money support to successful applicants based on the merit of the project. The support details are summarized below:

Eligibility

To qualify for this grant, an organization must meet the following criteria:

1. The organization should have a properly constituted managing body with clearly defined powers and responsibilities written in a constitution.
2. It must be registered as a voluntary organization, NGO, trust, or company under the Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) or relevant central/state acts for at least three years.
3. The organization should register on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog and get a Unique ID. This ID and the organization's PAN number must be given during the application.
4. The organization must have tied up or planned matching resources covering at least 25% of the total project cost.
5. It should have the facilities, staff, and experience needed to run the proposed project.

For instance, if Heritage Club India applies, its past experience in holding similar regional festivals will give it preference over newer organizations.

Exclusions

Please note that this scheme does not apply to the following:

• Organizations working as religious institutions.
• Schools, colleges, or their internal festivals.
• University-level festivals.

Application Process

How to Apply

The scheme is open throughout the year. The Ministry of Culture invited applications for the 48th Meeting of CFPGS under the KSVY scheme for grant year 2026-27, with the last date fixed as 7 July 2026 and later extended.

Follow these steps to submit the application:

STEP 1 - Identify the cultural or research aspect you wish to promote and prepare the project documentation.

STEP 2 - Download and fill the application in the prescribed proforma from the official application form. Make sure it includes a recommendation from a National Academy, a culture-related government body, or state/UT administration authorities.

STEP 3 - Send the completed application to the Director, North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), 14, CSP Singh Marg, Allahabad-211001. Telephone: 0532-2421855, 0532-2423698.

STEP 4 - An Expert Committee reviews applications during its meetings held throughout the year, subject to the availability of funds. To keep things clear, committee members cannot recommend projects where they are office bearers. Organizations are free to apply at any time during the year.

Documents

Prepare the following documents to keep the application smooth:

1. Copy of the organization's constitution and details of the board of management.
2. Latest annual report and audited income and spending statements for the past three years.
3. Indemnity bond on proper stamp paper.
4. Bank account details for electronic transfer of funds.
5. A detailed project report covering duration, staff qualifications, itemized budget (regular and non-regular), and proof of matching funding sources.

References

Official Guidelines | Application Form | 48th Meeting Application Notice | Official Website

FAQ's

What is Cultural Function and Production Grant scheme?

This scheme gives grants for interactive forums such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions that help preserve or promote Indian cultural heritage, along with small research projects.

Which ministry manages this scheme?

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, manages this scheme under the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) umbrella.

Is this scheme running in 2026?

Yes. The Ministry of Culture has invited applications for the 48th Meeting of CFPGS for the grant year 2026-27, and the scheme remains open throughout the year.

How much financial support can I receive?

Organizations can receive 75% of project spending up to ₹5.00 Lakhs. Exceptional projects of high merit may get up to ₹20 Lakhs with special approval.

Who is eligible to apply?

Registered NGOs, voluntary organizations, trusts, and societies with a written constitution and at least three years of working history are eligible.

What are the eligible purposes for the grant?

Funds are given for organizing cultural events like music, drama, and dance, plus research projects, surveys, and pilot projects on cultural subjects.

Is registration on the NGO Darpan portal required?

Yes. Organizations must register on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog and give their Unique ID and PAN number.

Can schools or colleges apply?

No. Religious institutions, schools, colleges, and university-level festivals are not covered under this scheme.

How do I receive the payment?

The government transfers all approved funds directly into the organization's bank account through electronic transfer.

When is the grant released?

The grant is released in two installments, 75% first and 25% later.

Do I need a recommendation for my application?

Yes. The application must include a recommendation from a National Academy, a culture-related government organization, or a State/UT administration.

Where do I send my application?

The application in the prescribed proforma must be sent to the Director, North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) in Allahabad.