UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity-Call for applications 2025

Venue

Place de Fontenoy – UNESCO, Quartier de l’École Militaire, 7th Arrondissement, Париж, Paris, Metropolitan France, 75007, France

Deadline

May 21, 2025

UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity-Call for applications 2025

Description

UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity Call for applications 2025 is a great opportunity! The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) is a key international instrument that empowers nations to develop and implement policies that nurture vibrant and diverse cultural sectors. 🎨📖🎶

On March 19, 2025, the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) will launch its 16th call for funding requests. The IFCD plays a vital role in international cooperation by supporting creative and cultural industries in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.

Since its inception in 2010, the IFCD has made a significant impact, contributing $12.6 million to 164 projects in 76 countries. These projects have strengthened cultural institutions, promoted artistic freedom, and fostered innovation within the creative economy. 💡🌱

🔍 Key Details

The project will run for a period of 12 to 24 months. It is scheduled to launch in April 2026, following approval in February 2026. The maximum funding available is $100,000. Applications must be submitted in English or French. The deadline for submission is May 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM Paris time ⏳.

💰 Funding Breakdown:

50% at project start
30% at mid-project
20% at project completion

Who Can Apply?

Public authorities & institutions from eligible countries 🌏
NGOs from eligible countries 🤝
International NGOs (INGOs) working across multiple eligible countries 🌐

Successful applicants will be selected based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability, and measurable impact on cultural diversity.

🎭 Eligible Sectors

The IFCD funds projects that foster long-term cultural development across a variety of creative sectors. Specifically, it supports:

🎬 Audio-visual & cinema – In particular, initiatives that boost film production, distribution, and public access to diverse cinematic works.

🎨 Design – Furthermore, programs that encourage innovation in fashion, industrial design, and cultural crafts.

📰 Media arts – In addition, projects that promote digital storytelling, animation, and immersive media experiences.

🎵 Music – Moreover, efforts aimed at strengthening music production, live performances, and access to diverse musical genres.

🎭 Performing arts – Likewise, activities supporting theatre, dance, and performance-based projects.

📚 Publishing – Additionally, initiatives that enhance the production and distribution of books, magazines, and other literary works.

🖼️ Visual arts – Finally, projects that promote both contemporary and traditional artistic expressions through exhibitions and galleries.

🌍 Eligible Countries

The 2025 IFCD call is open to 119 developing countries, all of which have ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. These countries are eligible to receive funding for creative projects that foster cultural innovation and economic sustainability.

Eligible Countries in Africa

Eligible Countries in Asia

Eligible Countries in Europe

Eligible Countries in Latin America & the Caribbean

Eligible Countries in the Middle East & North Africa

🇪🇬 Egypt | 🇸🇾 Syrian Arab Republic | 🇵🇸 State of Palestine | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Eligible Island States & Pacific Nations

🇳🇺 Niue | 🇼🇸 Samoa

✅ Projects That Can Apply

Eligible projects must be submitted by recognized entities that meet the IFCD’s requirements.

1. Government Bodies and Public Institutions 🏛️

Projects can be proposed by national, regional, or local public authorities and cultural institutions from eligible countries. These organizations should have the capacity to implement and sustain cultural initiatives with measurable outcomes.

2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 🌍

NGOs from eligible countries may apply if they focus on strengthening cultural diversity, supporting the creative economy, and engaging communities in sustainable cultural development.

3. International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) 🌐

INGOs working across multiple eligible countries can submit proposals that promote cross-border cultural cooperation and knowledge exchange.

📌 Priority Areas for Funding

To be considered for funding, projects should address one or more of the following objectives:

Empower civil society by enhancing policy participation, communication, and networking 🗣️🤝
Support policy-making through research, monitoring, and evaluation 📊📑
Boost education and training in the creative industries 🎨🎭📚
Improve financial access and market opportunities for cultural goods and services 💰🌎
Advance digital cultural industries in line with international guidelines 💻🎶
Encourage cultural participation, especially for marginalized groups (minorities, Indigenous communities) 🎭🌏
Promote gender equality in arts and culture ⚖️♀️♂️
Develop strategic planning tools, such as data systems and policy mappings 📍📈
Strengthen public cultural institutions and enhance expertise in the sector 🏢🎓
Support fair global cultural exchanges through international cooperation 🌐🎭

❌ Projects That Do NOT Qualify

Solely focused on creating cultural or artistic works & events 🎨🚫
Related to intangible cultural heritage (apply to the Safeguarding Fund instead) 🏛️❌
Connected to tangible cultural heritage like historic sites (check the World Heritage Fund) 🏰🚫
Intended for paying off debts or covering financial losses 💸❌
Meant to finance workspaces or equipment permanently 🏢🔧
Designed as scholarships or personal grants 🎓🚫
Focused on construction or restoration of buildings 🏗️❌
Centered on primary or secondary school education 🏫🚫
Aimed at sustaining ongoing expenses 💼❌
Focused mainly on cultural tourism ✈️🎭

📝 How to Apply for IFCD Funding

First, review the official Call for Funding Guidelines 📖 to confirm that your project meets all eligibility criteria outlined by the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD).

Next, register an account on the IFCD online platform 🔐 to gain full access to the required application forms and submission tools.

After that, download the Project Framework 📑 and complete it carefully, providing accurate and detailed information about your cultural development initiative. Make sure your proposal highlights innovation, feasibility, and measurable impact.

Finally, submit your completed application before May 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Paris time) ✅ to ensure it is reviewed for potential funding consideration.

🌟 Selection Process

Once the deadline passes, all applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts. This process ensures transparency, fairness, and alignment with UNESCO’s cultural diversity goals.

In particular, projects will be prioritized if they demonstrate:

Strong originality and creative vision
Clear social impact in promoting cultural diversity
Long-term sustainability and capacity to deliver lasting results

By following these steps and addressing the IFCD’s priority areas, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing funding.

📧 For more information:

📧 ✉️ convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org
🌐 www.unesco.org/creativity

🌟 Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to support cultural diversity and creativity worldwide! 🌍🎭💡

More grants are available HERE

Place de Fontenoy – UNESCO, Quartier de l’École Militaire, 7th Arrondissement, Париж, Paris, Metropolitan France, 75007, France

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