Vilnius allocates up to €45,000 for historical research grants in 2026

Vilnius city municipality will provide up to €45,000 in funding for historical research projects this year, with 26 proposed topics available for applicants, the city announced on Monday.

Grants will support studies on the history of Vilnius districts, streets, ethnic communities, women, government institutions, buildings, tourism, education, healthcare, marketplaces, and food culture. Researchers may also explore the city’s role during the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Sąjūdis movement, as well as lost mobile cultural heritage objects.

Additional suggested topics include early modern community life in Vilnius, the city under sieges, occupations, and uprisings, interwar history, nightlife, water systems, art patronage traditions, Jewish rescuers, historical and cultural narratives, noble estates, the Bernardine columbarium, and the history of the art market.

Individual research projects can receive up to €10,000 in funding. Applications are open to scholars and researchers from Lithuanian universities, research institutes, science and study centres, and other scientific organisations.

Kamilė Šeraitė-Gogelienė, chair of the Vilnius City Council’s Culture and Tourism Committee, stated that the research will help deepen understanding of the city’s development, uncover lesser-known historical aspects, and support strategic planning, education, and tourism growth.

“Residents gain the opportunity to explore their city’s past—from everyday life stories to significant events and figures. This strengthens community bonds and identity,” she said.

Applications will be accepted from April 21 to May 28. Selection criteria include alignment with the chosen topic, methodological soundness, activity plans and budgets, researcher qualifications, and the potential impact of the findings on Vilnius.