When a people’s precious heritage is under threat, we can’t wait for the perfect moment to save it. We must act now.
And all it takes is 10,000 people to give $10.
What will that $100,000 do?
Provide 12 months of financial backing for the Cultural Emergency Program (CEP), our initiative providing immediate disaster relief for heritage in crisis.
Inspired by a partnership between Global Heritage Fund and the Prince Claus Fund, the Cultural Emergency Program focuses on emergency and programmatic support to significant sites affected by conflict or natural disaster.
Why is this important?
Heritage sites are far more than the decayed remnants of the past. They are extensions of mankind’s soul, physical representations of a builder’s wildest dreams, living reminders of a people’s ruling genius, and most importantly, almost entirely untapped economic assets. With heritage, communities can create new pathways to economic prosperity through tourism, conservation work, wilderness ranging, artisanal trades, musical and theatrical performance, and more.
When these assets are damaged or destroyed, communities are robbed of both a piece of themselves, and an economic opportunity for renewed growth. We view the Cultural Emergency Program as a way to save, salvage, and safeguard heritage sites so that communities can use them as assets for their future prosperity. And we need your help.
What’s the emergency?
Cultural destruction is proceeding at breakneck pace. In the Middle East, the origins of civilization are being erased before our eyes: militants in Syria have destroyed cities that predated the Roman Empire, and communities that have lived in Iraq since the time of Jesus have fled their homes. All in the past year alone.
Put simply, endangered heritage does not have the luxury of time. But with the CEP, we are determined to prepare ourselves with the resources to perform cultural first aid now, without time constraints or fundraising delays. Earthquakes may shatter cities, fires may destroy ancient texts, and militants may demolish monumental temples, but we will be there to pick up the pieces.
How can you help?
Participate in the “Power of 10” challenge! We believe it will be the best $10 you’ve ever spent.
Are you in for 10?
Every dollar you give today goes directly towards helping communities facing a heritage crisis. Rather than relying on foreign experts or governments, they will be able to build capacity themselves and work to improve their villages, cities, and heritage sites on their own terms.
Protecting cultural treasures is a calling beyond monuments. We don’t do it just for the buildings themselves, but for the economic and cultural opportunities that give people the strength – and resources – to persevere in the face of enormous hardships.
Give to heritage this holiday season, and with as little as $10, you can see the immediate impact your gift has from Cambodia to Peru.
Please share this campaign with as many people as you can. Learn about the Cultural Emergency Program and discover more ways to get involved and partner with us.