Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme

Located in Downtown Kuala Lumpur, the Merdeka 118 precinct celebrates national identity through landmarks like Stadium Merdeka and the 118-storey tower.

Blending heritage, sports, and civic life, the area is being reimagined as a vibrant, inclusive hub. Efforts include activating heritage buildings, enhancing public spaces, and connecting with neighbouring communities such as Pudu and Kampung Attap. With initiatives like the Merdeka Textile Museum, the precinct aims to become a cultural and sporting destination that strengthens social cohesion and economic opportunity.

Targeted placemaking strategies have been developed to meet the precinct’s key needs—enhancing connectivity, activating public spaces, fostering community engagement, and strengthening local identity through area storytelling. Together, these efforts are essential to shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant Merdeka 118 Precinct.

Since 2021, the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme has helped local communities in and around the Merdeka 118 precinct recover, rebuild, and reimagine their neighbourhoods. By supporting ground-up projects, the programme continues to foster resilience, community pride, and sustainable growth.
Now in its third cycle, it strengthens the bond between the precinct and its surrounding areas through initiatives that spotlight local creativity, enterprise, and shared heritage.

Guided by a precinct-based approach and aligned with the Warisan KL aspiration, the programme reflects PNB Merdeka Ventures commitment to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive urban district.

To date, the programme has supported 21 projects with RM705,357.14 in funding, catalysing community action in precincts like Petaling Street, Kampung Attap, and Pudu.

Programme Objectives

The aim is to support community-led initiatives in and around the Merdeka 118 Precinct, strengthening connections between the precinct and its surrounding neighbourhoods. The initiative seeks to build resilience, promote the development of high-quality and competitive community products, and cultivate sustainable, community-driven content in the area.

To expand community-driven initiatives with potential to complement and integrate into the Merdeka 118 precinct development.

To incubate sustainable, community-led contents that enhance the vibrancy of the surrounding areas.

To sustain collaboration and partnerships with communities surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct.

To celebrate the history of the surrounding area of the Merdeka 118 precinct.

Focus Areas

Merdeka 118 Precinct
PNB-driven Merdeka 118 Precinct leads the area rejuvenation which is home to several iconic heritage-built environment and schools.
Kampung Attap Enclave
The enclave is now renowned for thriving independent creative scene; consisting of fine arts, fashion and music.
Petaling Street Precinct
Already a well-connected tourist hotspot, the precinct still houses traditional trades that are still thriving amid rapid gentrification of the area.

Bukit Bintang Precinct
GMBB is a creative hub which provides accessible spaces to upcoming creative businesses, while Jalan Galloway has significant youth-centered enterprises.
Pudu Precinct
One of the earliest public housing schemes in Downtown Kuala Lumpur, the communities are positioning themselves between mega projects surrounding their homes.

Buffer Area: Radius of 1,200m from Menara Merdeka 118
The buffer area can also be translated into 15-minute pedestrian catchment from Menara Merdeka 118. Significant landmarks within the buffer area are Masjid Negara, Dataran Merdeka and Central Market

Programme Thematics

CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION

Supporting efforts to preserve tangible and intangible heritage in the Merdeka 118 surrounding vicinities to maintain place identity in navigating urban rejuvenation.

Safeguarding Cultural Identity – Support initiatives that preserve, celebrate, and pass down knowledge and storytelling to strengthen the unique place-based identity. These efforts honour local traditions, foster community pride, and ensure that the area’s rich cultural fabric continues to thrive for generations to come.
Revitalising Intangible Heritage – Breathing new life into place-based storytelling by blending heritage with innovation, empowering communities to share cultural traditions using technology that engages and inspires today’s audiences.

COMMUNITY CONTENT AND/OR ACTIVATION

Empowering local artisans and cultural champions in Downtown Kuala Lumpur to create high-quality content, incubate talent, and foster healthy, community-driven lifestyles as a response to the area’s social challenges.

Community content – Support the creation of locally-rooted content—such as publications, toolkits, creative works, or products—developed by community groups, resident associations, or collectives. These initiatives capture and celebrate lived experiences, amplify diverse voices, and reinforce a strong sense of local identity connected to the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Community activation – Support initiatives, community events, and participatory activities that unite people, foster a strong sense of belonging, and enliven shared spaces within communities around the Merdeka 118 precinct.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Providing access to capacity building support for vulnerable sections of the communities in social, education and economic matters.

Social – Support programmes and initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, promote inclusion, and build local capacity, particularly among underprivileged communities surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Education – Support learning initiatives, knowledge-sharing platforms, and skills development programmes that improve access to education and foster lifelong learning within communities surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Sustainable economy – Support community-driven initiatives that enhance local livelihoods by building entrepreneurial skills and supporting the growth of micro or informal economies, all within the context of the areas surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct. This approach should aim to create sustainable economic growth rooted in the unique cultural, social, and economic landscape of the local communities.

For more details about the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme Cycle 3, please download the Terms of Reference (TOR) below:

view terms of reference (en)

view terms of reference (bm)

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES/WORKS SUPPORTED

Note: The examples listed above may not be exhaustive. Please contact Think City for further clarification regarding eligible expenses.

The programme supports the following activities/works:

Project mobilisation and preliminary works
(Studies, technical assistance, assessment, and other advisory services required prior to project implementation; and site mobilisation, clearance, and cleaning.)
Materials and supplies
(Costs associated with raw or produced materials required for implementation of project, process of production, fabrication works, creation and development of works.)
Equipment and technology:
(Costs may include fees and rental of items required for the implementation or delivery of the project. This may cover, but is not limited to, specialist equipment and software for production and creation, technical support services, printing, distribution, and set-up.)
Professional services
(Associated costs required for project implementation which may include fees for hiring specialists, facilitators, collaborators, curators, project leads, consultants, contractors, service providers or other professional or advisory services required for specific project tasks; Costs associated with capacity building activities aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the project team or the wider community.)
Marketing and promotional activities
(Expenses for promoting and disseminating project information, such as social media/digital ads, marketing collaterals, catalogue printing, and website development; and inclusive of engagement of creative personnel such as designer, copywriter, photographer, and videographer.)

The programme does not support the following activities/works:

Costs incurred prior to approval scope and signing of the grant agreement
Company registration fees or licensing costs
Accommodation expenses
Routine repair and ongoing maintenance beyond the initial implementation period
Purchase or acquisition of physical assets
Existing organisational overheads (e.g. rent, insurance, utility bills, staff salaries, council tax)
Fines, penalties, or legal fees
Sales and Services Tax (SST)

PROJECT EligibILITY

Individuals

On behalf of self

Collectives

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.)

Non-profit Organisations

Organisations that serve public or mutual benefit who are registered with the Registrar of Societies (charitable educational, religious or cultural associations etc.)

Private Sector Advocate

Businesses registered with the Registrar of Business/Companies (Corporations, social enterprises, professional firms etc.)

Open to individuals, collectives, NGOs, businesses, and community-based organisations registered with relevant Malaysian authorities.
Priorities to be given to applicants from the targeted focus areas or have strong collaboration with communities in the focus areas.

What Does The Programme Support?

The Grants Programme supports direct expenses for you to implement your proposed project that may range from RM20,000 to RM150,000 per application. It is important to note that the programme:

Prioritises project with at least 1:1 co-investment ratio
Projects must be inclusive, impactful, and ideally completed by 31 March 2026
Project location must fall within the Merdeka 118 focus areas (e.g. Kampung Attap, Pudu, Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street, buffer zone).

Application

When can you apply?

Applications are open from 8 July 2025 to 10 August 2025.

8 July 2025

Application opens

10 Aug 2025

Submission deadline

15 Sept 2025

Grantee Announcement

1 week after announcement

Approved Applications Workshop

How can you apply?

Interested applicants are required to attend one of the sessions below.

Open Day

19 July – Puck’s Café
25 July – Online Sharing Session
1 August – YWCA KL
8 August – High Street Art Cafe
15 August – Wisma TK Tang, Level 4, Think City

One-on-One Clinic Sessions

Ready with your proposal and looking for feedback? Book your 1-on-1 session here:

Book now

Apply via the grants platform.

questions?

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] or message us via WhatsApp at +6010 201 8930.

FAQs

ELIGIBILITY

Can international applicants apply for this grant?
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 Downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Can I still apply for this grant even though I am not part of the Merdeka 118 Community community, do not work and/or live in Kuala Lumpur?
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 Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme Terms of Reference (TOR).
I am currently a Think City Grants Programme recipient. Am I still eligible to apply for the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme?
Yes, you are welcome to apply. Should you be successful in securing approval for the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, 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 Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme. You will also still be required to complete the projects utilising the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme within the stipulated timeline.
I have successfully secured grants from other funders, but I am still short of funds to realise my project. Am I eligible to apply for the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme?
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.
Can I submit multiple applications for the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme?
You may if you would like but we would only approve one project per applicant per grant programme.
Can an individual or partnership of two or more organisations apply for the grant?
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.

APPLICATION

How can I apply for this grant?
Applications and relevant documents can be submitted at the Think City Grants Programme application platform. 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.
Interested applicants are required to attend at least one of our outreach sessions. Dates of these sessions will be announced on the Think City website and communicated through all relevant Think City platforms.
Can I submit my application via e-mail?
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. If you run into any issues while accessing the platform, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What are the documents that I need to submit for the application?
You will need to submit several documents, including a project proposal, as part of your application. For a comprehensive list of all required documents, please refer to the Terms of Reference (TOR).
What projects does the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme Cycle 3 support?
The grant can support projects within the M118 precinct for the following categories:
Cultural heritage preservation
Community empowerment
Community content and/or Activation

For more information, please refer to the Terms of Reference and attend the outreach sessions organised by Think City.
What is the deadline for grant applications? Can I apply for the grants at any time?
Submissions will be accepted beginning 8 July 2025 until 10 August 2025.
What happens after I’ve submitted the application?
All applications are jointly assessed and approved through a highly competitive evaluation process. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified within six (6) weeks of every application deadline.
Will I be called in for a presentation or participate in a pitching session regarding my project upon submitting my application?
No, we will evaluate the application through the submission provided. Should we require further clarification on your project, we will be reaching out to you.
How long do we have to complete our project proposed in our application?
All projects must be completed before 31 March 2026. However, if the project is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, you can request for an extension of your grant term which must be submitted to Think City by 28 February 2026 for review.
Are we allowed to submit an appeal if our application is rejected?
Think City will not be able to accept appeals. All decisions are final.

FUNDING

How much funding is available in the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme?
All project funding will be considered on a case-to-case basis, based on the proposed outputs and its potential impact.
Does the grant fully fund our project?
The Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme supports direct expenses for project implementation that may range from RM20,000 to RM150,000 per application.
However, it is important to note that the programme:
prioritises projects that have a 1:1 co-investment; and
prioritises projects with high impact potential and/ or publicly accessible;
prioritises projects that can be completed by 30 March 2026.
What does the grant support?
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 (link) or contact Think City should you require further clarification.
Can we use this grant to pay employee salary or to pay for rent of my business premises?
No. The grant programme is aimed to support direct expenses of projects that will aid in driving creative and culture-based economy development and strengthening social, economic and environmental resilience within Downtown Kuala Lumpur.

Implementing Partners