UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2025 accepts applications through an open and competitive process. IFCD is available for projects that can lead to tangible progress in the development of creative industries in the Global South. Proposals may be submitted by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public institutions from nations that qualify, and international NGOs that are registered in countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention. Surprisingly, the project ideas ought to support the following:

• Support policies or actions that structurally improve the creation, distribution, or access to diverse cultural goods and services, and/or

• Strengthen public and civil society capacities to develop sustainable cultural industries and markets.

The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Promotion and Protection of Cultural Expressions Diversity established the IFCD, a multi-donor fund, to help developing nations implement the Convention. The aim is to increase the growth of vibrant cultural industries in developing countries.

Using IFCD, UNESCO has contributed $12.6 million to over 164 projects in 76 developing nations since 2010. These programs have aided in the creation and execution of cultural policies, promoted cultural entrepreneurship, enhanced professional development, facilitated access to new markets, and included marginalized groups in cultural life.

Brief Details of the Call

• Application Status: Open
• Application Deadline: 21 May 2025, noon Paris time
• Project Launch Date: April 2026
• Proposal Submission Language: English or French
• Project Implementation Period: 12 to 24 Months
• Maximum Prize Amount: 100,000 USD
• Eligible Countries: OECD Fund Receiving Countries (Afghanistan included)

Amount of UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity

Applicants may request a maximum of US$ 100,000, and it must be paid in three installments as follows:

• Beginning of the project: 50%
• Midway through the project: 30 %
• Completion of the project: 20%

Eligibilities and Requirements

Applicants or candidates who meet the following requirements can apply for the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity:

• Institutions and public authorities from nations that qualify (developing nations, Parties to the 2005 Convention).
• Non-governmental groups (NGOs) from nations that meet the eligibility requirements (developing nations, Parties to the 2005 Convention)
• Foreign non-governmental organizations (INGOs) with national registration, Participants in the 2005 Convention

Eligible Project Types

Projects may be submitted by public authorities, institutions, or NGOs and should aim to:

• Strengthen civil society’s role in policy, communication, or networking
• Inform policymaking through research, evaluation, or data tools
• Build capacity in education and training for the cultural and creative sectors
• Improve access to funding and markets (national and international) for cultural goods
• Support cultural industries in the digital environment
• Foster inclusive cultural participation, especially for vulnerable or marginalized groups
• Promote gender equality in the cultural and creative sectors
• Develop strategic tools such as mappings or statistical systems
• Support public cultural institutions and civil servant expertise
• Establish financing and market mechanisms for culture
• Implement international cooperation for equitable cultural exchange

Ineligible Projects

Projects are not eligible if they:

• Focus solely on producing artistic works or events
• Address tangible or intangible cultural heritage (covered by other UNESCO funds)
• Offset debts, fund permanent infrastructure, or cover personal scholarships
• Involve the construction/restoration of buildings
• Target primary or secondary education
• Support ongoing activities with recurring costs
• Center on cultural tourism

Required Documents

Required Documents for Application of the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity are as follows, based on applicant type:

For Public/Governmental Authorities or Institutions (Parties):

• Official document proving status as a public/governmental authority in a developing country that is a Party to the 2005 Convention.

For NGOs:

• Official document proving non-governmental and non-profit status under national law in a developing country, Party to the 2005 Convention.

For International NGOs (INGOs):

1. Project relevance:

   • There should be one letter of support from government/public institutions from each beneficiary country confirming the project’s relevance and alignment with national priorities.

2. International character:

• The official document shows the legal status of an INGO.
• Document proving international membership (with a list of members and their countries of residence).
• Document showing recent activities (within the last 5 years) in multiple countries.

Additional Required Documents (for all applicants):

• Pro forma invoice(s): If the budget includes “equipment and supplies,” upload the corresponding invoice(s).
• Letters of support: If there are implementing partners, attach letters showing their contribution to the project.

Note: All application documents should be in English or French.

Selection Process and Criteria

The IFCD team will evaluate applications for funding requests against the following criteria:

Step 1: National Pre-selection
National Commissions form panels to review and shortlist up to four proposals per country (2 from public bodies, two from NGOs) by 7 July 2025. They assess relevance, feasibility, and alignment with national priorities.

Step 2: UNESCO Technical Review
UNESCO reviews pre-selected proposals for completeness and eligibility. It also directly assesses applications from international NGOs.

Step 3: Expert Evaluation
An International Panel of Experts evaluates eligible projects based on set criteria, including:

• Alignment with the 2005 Convention and IFCD goals
• Measurable and sustainable results
• Relevance to national needs
• Long-term impact and sector development
• Financial accountability and capacity to implement
• Promotion of gender equality, youth, Africa, SIDS, and global cooperation

Step 4: Final Decision
Expert recommendations are sent to the Intergovernmental Committee, which selects projects for funding during its session from 17 to 20 February 2026 in Paris.

Step 5: Notification and Contracting
Approved applicants are informed and guided through the contracting process.

Budget Considerations

• Overhead must not exceed 30%
• Funds should primarily support project activities
• Avoid spreading resources too thin
• Co-funding is encouraged to enhance impact and sustainability

How to Apply?

To apply for the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2025, applicants should follow these guidelines:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Read the Call for Funding
• Register and create an account
• Follow the User Guide to access your account
• Review the Annotated Guide and download the Project Framework
• Gather all required documents above

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Complete the Project Framework
• Fill in the online Application Form
• Upload all documents
• Click “Save & Exit” to submit

Apply Now

Read the complete details on the IFCD Call or visit the UNESCO Website for more information. Applicants can also contact the 2005 Convention UNESCO Secretariat at: [email protected], or visit the FAQ for any questions.

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