The text focuses on the objectives of regional animation and education in Poland, with particular emphasis on grant programs that are addressed to local and regional communities in the field of activities for national heritage. The subject of reflection are the EtnoPolska program, which is operated by the National Centre For Culture (Narodowe Centrum Kultury), as well as the objectives of actions stimulating and supporting regional cultures as formulated at the state level. The subjects of the analysis are the answers to the objectives of these programs, as well as the understanding of these goals by the beneficiaries of grant programs. The analysed data and observations contribute to the analysis of the state of regional identities in Poland and of the identification of local communities with those identities.