Call for Nominations: 7 Most Endangered Programme Grant

Deadline: 23-Oct-2026

The 7 Most Endangered Programme invites nominations of endangered heritage sites across Europe to receive expert advice, advocacy, and stakeholder support for their long-term safeguarding. Launched in 2013, the programme is a leading European civil society initiative focused on protecting heritage sites at risk. Over more than a decade, it has highlighted 77 sites in 35 countries, helping bring attention to endangered heritage and encouraging practical action for their future.

About the 7 Most Endangered Programme

The 7 Most Endangered Programme identifies heritage sites that face serious threats and uses their selection as a catalyst for action. The programme brings together different stakeholders and areas of expertise to help develop realistic pathways for the long-term safeguarding of endangered sites.

These may include:

- Heritage conservation experts. - Financial and investment specialists. - Public authorities. - Site owners and custodians. - Civil society organisations. - Local communities. - Other relevant stakeholders. By connecting these groups, the programme seeks to encourage cooperation and identify practical solutions for endangered heritage. What Support Does the Programme Provide? Participation in the 7 Most Endangered Programme can provide selected sites with access to independent expertise and greater visibility at the European level.

Benefits may include:

- Increased awareness of the site’s European significance. - Independent expertise in heritage conservation. - Advice on heritage management and finance. - Stronger cooperation among relevant stakeholders. - Support for advocacy and strategic planning. - Assistance in mobilising technical resources. - Help in securing political and financial support. - Opportunities to develop long-term safeguarding strategies. The programme is intended to help stakeholders move from identifying threats toward practical solutions for the future of each selected site. Who Can Submit a Nomination? Eligible nominators include public or private organisations active in the heritage field. Organisations must be registered in a Council of Europe member country or Kosovo. Individual members of eligible organisations may also submit nominations when they are permanent residents in the relevant countries. Nominators should demonstrate a meaningful connection to the heritage field and provide the required supporting information for the proposed site. What Sites Can Be Nominated? The programme focuses on heritage sites that are endangered and require greater attention, expertise, cooperation, or support to secure their future. The nomination should demonstrate the site’s significance as well as the challenges and threats affecting its long-term preservation. The selection process considers both the heritage value of a site and the potential for practical action to improve its future. What Documents Are Required? Nominations must include supporting materials that explain the importance of the heritage site and the challenges it faces.

Required materials include:

- A completed digital nomination form. - At least two letters of support. - At least one letter of support from a Europa Nostra Member or Associate Organisation. - High-resolution photographs. - Videos of the site. - Additional documentation illustrating the site’s significance and challenges. The supporting documentation should provide a clear picture of the site’s heritage importance, current condition, threats, and safeguarding needs. How Are Heritage Sites Selected? Nominations are assessed using several criteria to determine the site’s eligibility and potential impact of programme support.

The selection process considers:

- The European significance of the heritage site. - The level and nature of the threats facing the site. - The likelihood of developing a viable future for the site. - The nominator’s involvement. - Support from site owners and local communities. - Potential for socio-economic development. These factors help determine whether participation in the programme can contribute to meaningful and sustainable safeguarding action. What Happens After a Site Is Selected? Selected heritage sites participate in a structured process involving specialists and stakeholders.

The process may include:

- Expert consultations. - On-site missions. - Heritage assessments and advice. - Published reports. - Advocacy activities. - Stakeholder engagement. - Planning for long-term safeguarding. The programme aims to use expert knowledge and collaboration to help stakeholders develop practical strategies for addressing threats and securing the future of endangered heritage sites. Why the 7 Most Endangered Programme Matters Endangered heritage sites can face a wide range of challenges, including inadequate resources, deterioration, development pressures, or limited capacity for long-term conservation. The 7 Most Endangered Programme helps bring together the expertise, public support, and stakeholder cooperation needed to address these challenges. Beyond raising awareness, the programme seeks to create viable pathways for safeguarding sites by connecting heritage professionals, financial experts, authorities, owners, civil society, and communities. Key Facts About the 7 Most Endangered Programme

- Programme: 7 Most Endangered Programme

- Launched: 2013

- Geographic focus: Europe

- Sites highlighted: 77

- Countries represented: 35

- Eligible nominators: Public and private heritage organisations and eligible individual members

- Eligible registration: Council of Europe member countries or Kosovo

- Main support: Expert advice, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, conservation and financial expertise

- Required support letters: At least two

- Europa Nostra support: At least one letter from a Europa Nostra Member or Associate Organisation

- Other materials: High-resolution photographs, videos, and supporting documentation

- Selection factors: Heritage significance, level of threat, v