The National Culture Fund (NCF) was established as a funding mechanism in 1996, distinct from the existing sources and patterns of funding for the arts and culture in India. It enables institutions and individuals to support arts and culture directly as partners with its government. Set up by the Government of India, Ministry of Culture under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890, the NCF endeavours to preserve and promote India's precious tangible and intangible heritage in partnership with the community.
NCF has actively been associated with many leading Corporate Houses, Public Sector Units, International Trusts and Funding Agencies. Already, many public or private sector companies have come forward and signed MoUs with Archaeological Survey of India and National Culture Fund for both preservation and conservation projects.