Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme. This scheme applies to all the ‘not-for-profit’ organisations, NGOs, Societies, Trusts and Universities to be used for promoting Seminars, Conference, Research, Workshops, Festivals, Exhibitions, Symposia, Drama-Theatre, Music, etc, and small projects of research about different Indian Cultures.
Purpose of Financial Assistance
- Supporting events like seminars, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and theatrical productions on Indian cultural themes.
- Funding developmental activities such as surveys, pilot projects, and publications on cultural topics.
Installments and Payment Mode
- Installments: The grant will be released in two parts:
- First Installment: 75% of the approved amount.
- Second Installment: 25% upon submission of required reports and utilization certificates.
- Payment: All payments will be made electronically.
Accounting Guidelines
- Separate accounts must be maintained for the grants provided under this scheme.
- Accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
- Organizations must submit audited statements of accounts and utilization certificates annually.
- Failure to submit required documentation may result in the repayment of the grant, with interest, to the Government of India.
Benefits
- Financial Support:
- Grants cover up to 75% of the project cost, with a maximum of ₹5,00,000 per project.
- In exceptional cases, grants of up to ₹20,00,000 may be provided for projects of outstanding merit with the approval of the Minister of Culture.
- Output Requirement:
- Organizations must upload videos of their projects on platforms like YouTube and share links with the Ministry of Culture’s social media handles.
Eligibility
Eligible Organizations:
- Not-for-profit organizations registered under:
- Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860)
- Trusts Act
- Companies Act
- Any Central or State Act
- Organizations must be registered on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog and have a Unique ID.
- Must have been operational for at least three years and have resources to meet 25% of the project cost.
Exclusions:
- Religious institutions and organizations functioning as schools/colleges.
- Festivals or events conducted by Colleges/Universities are not eligible.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
- Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format, available through the Ministry of Culture.
- Applications should include a recommendation from:
- National Academies
- Culture-related organizations under the Government of India
- State Government/UT Administration/State Academies
- Address the application to:
The Director, North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC),
14, CSP Singh Marg, Allahabad-211001- Phone: 0532-2421855, 0532-2423698
- Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
Selection Process
- Expert Committee Review: Applications are scrutinized by an expert committee that meets periodically.
- Conflict of Interest: Experts are prohibited from recommending proposals of organizations they are associated with.
- Recommendation: Only deserving projects with cultural significance will be recommended for grants.
Documents Required
- Constitution of the organization.
- Details of the managing body or governing board.
- Latest Annual Report of the organization.
- Audited statement of accounts for the past three years.
- Indemnity Bond in the prescribed format.
- Bank account details for electronic fund transfers.
- Detailed project report, including:
- Project description and duration.
- Itemized details of expenses (recurring and non-recurring).
- Source of counterpart funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the Cultural Function and Production Grant Scheme?
The scheme offers financial support for the promotion of seminars, exhibitions, festivals, and research projects.
2. Which ministry is responsible for the scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
3. What amount of financial support is available?
The organizations can receive up to ₹5,00,000 for a project, while exceptional cases are allowed up to ₹20,00,000.
4. Is it mandatory to register on the NGO Darpan Portal?
Yes, as registration on NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog is strictly required.
5. Is any private organization eligible for applying under this scheme?
Yes. Not-for-profits organizations NGO, Societies, and Trust.
6. Can religions apply?
No. This program does not target religious institutions for support.
7. How the applications are judged.
Applications are judged based on merit/feasibility for the project by a committee of Experts, and these applications will reflect the Indian culture/ ethos.
8. Where can this application form is available?
The application form is available through the Ministry of Culture and the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC).