The programme prioritises projects within the core and buffer zones of Downtown Kuala Lumpur. i.e. 250m radius surrounding the:
Click a numbered marker on the map to explore the eligible locations.
Click a numbered marker on the map to explore the eligible locations.
Downtown Kuala Lumpur
Traditional Shopping Street Precint
Education Precint
Heritage Triangle Precint
Petaling Street Precint
Civic Precint
Other Significant Areas
Chow Kit South
Bukit Nanas
Bukit Ceylon
M118 Precint
Kg. Attap Enclave
Brickfields
Cultural & Institutions
Taman Tugu & Perdana Botanical Garden
Source: Kuala Lumpur Creative and Cultural District Strategic Master Plan
The Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 seeks to support projects associated to six themes:
Support smaller, independent, and community-led museums, galleries, and cultural spaces in the Museum and Gallery Network (MAGNET).
Revitalisation and enhancement of public, cultural, and community spaces through placemaking, adaptive reuse, spatial improvements, accessibility improvements, tactical interventions, and sustainable urban solutions.
Development of cultural programmes, creative content, exhibitions, and public activations that strengthen audience engagement, and build lasting cultural value for Downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Strengthening the sustainability, visibility, operational capacity, and growth of creative and cultural organisations, businesses, and collectives through business development, organisational strengthening, marketing, and audience development initiatives.
Initiatives that empower communities through participation, capacity building, mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, fostering stronger local networks and long-term community resilience.
Supports the development and adoption of innovative ideas, digital solutions, and creative approaches that improve how people experience, engage with, and access Downtown Kuala Lumpur while addressing place-based opportunities and urban challenges.
The programme supports costs to mobilise the following activities or works:
Individuals
On behalf of self
A group of people who are not registered with the Registrar of Business/Societies/Companies (arts and/or cultural collectives, literary circles, film and media collaborative etc.)
Organisations that serve public or mutual benefit who are registered with the Registrar of Societies (charitable educational, religious or cultural associations etc.)
Businesses registered with the Registrar of Business/Companies (Corporations, social enterprises, professional firms etc.)
While the programme welcomes a broad range of creative and community-led initiatives across its focus areas, the MAGNET funding theme is specifically open to independent museums, galleries, and spaces that enrich the cultural life of Downtown Kuala Lumpur through exhibitions, storytelling, public programmes, and community engagement. Eligible applicants must be classified as Tier 4 or Spaces under the MAGNET Framework (see TOR), have been operating for a minimum of six (6) months, and demonstrate an established track record through a portfolio of past programmes, exhibitions, projects, or activities. These include:
For more details about the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026, please download the Terms of Reference (TOR) below:
The Grants Programme supports funding for direct expenses for you to implement your proposed project that may range from RM30,000 to RM100,000 per application. It is important to note that the programme:
Applications are open from 8 July 2026 to 21 August 2026.
Interested applicants are required to attend one of the sessions below.
Click on the individual session links to register
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] or message us via WhatsApp at +60 10-201 8930.
The programme primarily prioritises Malaysians and Permanent Residents, particularly those from or with strong connections to the programme’s focus area. However, international applicants are welcome if you are currently residing in Malaysia and have a clear stake in a local business, property, or project located in the Downtown KL core or the buffer zone stated.
Yes, you are welcome to apply as long as your proposal directly benefits the community within the defined focus areas and aligns with the grant themes outlined in the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 Terms of Reference (TOR).
Yes, you are welcome to apply. Should you be successful in securing approval for the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026, you will be required to complete the outstanding Think City funding programme and reporting. Upon successful completion of the outstanding Think City funding programme, you will only be able to commence the project that is supported through the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026. You will also still be required to complete the projects utilising the Downtown Kuala Lumpur Grants Programme 2026 within the stipulated timeline.
Yes, you are welcome to apply. We highly encourage co-investments in projects. Please be sure to share the secured funding in the budget area of the application form and provide a letter of confirmation as supporting document.
You may if you would like but we would only approve one project per applicant per grant programme.
Yes, you are eligible to apply for the grant. However, the lead applicant must assume full administrative responsibility as well as be actively involved in the whole process.
Applications and relevant documents can be submitted at the Think City Grants Programme application platform at https://thinkcity.grantplatform.com. Should you have any difficulties in the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Think City at [email protected] or drop a WhatsApp message at +6010-201 8930.
Please note attendance at an Open Day or 1-on-1 Clinic session is a mandatory part of the application process. Dates for these sessions will be announced and communicated through all relevant Think City platforms.
We appreciate your interest in our grant programme. However, we’re unable to accept applications sent via e-mail. Please submit your application through our dedicated grant platform at https://thinkcity.grantplatform.com. If you run into any issues while accessing the platform, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The grant can support projects within the following focus areas:
The Downtown KL Grants Programme 2026 supports direct expenses for project implementation that may range from RM30,000 to RM 100,000 per application.
However, it is important to note that the programme:
The total amount allocated to grantees is meant to support expenses and execution of the project within the stipulated time period outlined in the Grant Agreement. For more information on eligible expenses, please refer to the Terms of Reference (TOR) or contact Think City should you require further clarification.
In support of:
