European Cultural Foundation (ECF)
An Amsterdam-based foundation supporting culture as a force for an open, democratic Europe, including Ukrainian artists and NGOs.
About the fund
The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is an independent foundation established in Geneva in 1954 by Swiss philosopher Denis de Rougemont. In 1960 it moved to Amsterdam, where it still operates, supporting civil society cultural initiatives across Europe.
ECF sees culture as a way to strengthen democracy, solidarity and a sense of shared European space. The Foundation is known for the Culture of Solidarity Fund and artist mobility support, as well as grants for independent cultural organisations and grassroots initiatives.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion, ECF has become one of the key partners of the Ukrainian cultural sector. Together with Insha Osvita, zusa and the VETERANKA Movement, it runs Culture Helps Solidarity, which funds projects in Ukraine and the integration of Ukrainians abroad through culture.
Focus areas
- Culture as a tool for democracy and solidarity
- Support for Ukrainian cultural professionals in Ukraine and abroad
- Memory, documentation and war archives as cultural heritage
- Integration of Ukrainians abroad through culture
- International cultural cooperation
- Grassroots civil society cultural initiatives
Interesting facts
Founded in Geneva in 1954; based in Amsterdam since 1960.
Culture Helps Solidarity (October 2025 - March 2028) will distribute nearly EUR 2 million through more than 20 open calls.
The 'Memory in Action' thematic round offers up to EUR 7,000 per project lasting up to six months.
How to apply
Cultural organisations from Ukraine and Creative Europe countries can apply: 'Memory in Action' project grants (up to EUR 7,000, deadline 6 October 2026) and joint project grants of up to EUR 30,000 (deadline 10 November 2026). Calls are published on culturalfoundation.eu and culturehelpssolidarity.eu.
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