The Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant (CPAIG) program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It aims to support the implementation of cultural property agreements and emergency import restrictions, fulfilling U.S. commitments under the UNESCO 1970 Convention. The program addresses looting, theft, and trafficking of cultural property, which undermines cultural heritage, funds criminal and terrorist groups, and weakens governance. Established in 2020 in partnership with the Cultural Antiquities Task Force, the CPAIG seeks to safeguard cultural heritage through cooperative projects that meet regional needs and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. The 2025 cycle focuses on protecting cultural property and increasing awareness of its value to local communities and global cultural heritage.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign non-profits, higher education institutions, public international organizations, and foreign government agencies. Only organizations in countries with active cultural property agreements with the U.S., or those with emergency import restrictions under the Cultural Property Implementation Act, can apply. These countries include, but are not limited to, Afghanistan, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ukraine. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM.gov registration. While cost-sharing is not required, applicants offering cost-sharing must track and report such contributions.

Projects should span 12 to 60 months and range from $25,000 to $150,000 in funding, with a total program budget of $500,000. Funding supports activities such as training law enforcement and cultural property managers, creating digital inventories of cultural objects, enhancing site security, and engaging the public in crime prevention through outreach and education. Proposals must exclude activities like private property preservation, natural heritage projects, new construction, and relocation of cultural sites unless critical to preventing destruction.

The application process has two stages: a concept note and a full proposal. The concept note, limited to two pages, must detail project basics, costs, and a summary of proposed activities and outcomes. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a 20-page full proposal outlining goals, activities, expected results, key personnel, a maintenance plan, and public outreach strategies. A detailed budget and supporting documents, such as resumes and permission letters, are required. Proposals are submitted by email to the relevant U.S. embassy, which sets its own deadlines.

Applications will be evaluated on criteria including clarity of goals, importance of cultural heritage, feasibility of the maintenance plan, and the quality of outreach activities. Additional points are awarded for data-sharing plans, budget detail and rationale, and supporting materials. Awards will be administered by a Grants Officer and are contingent on compliance with federal regulations and reporting requirements, such as financial and programmatic updates. Recipients must also align their activities with U.S. government standards and priorities for cultural preservation and public diplomacy.