Call for proposals: UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity

Through an open and competitive process, projects will be selected on the basis of their ability to generate concrete and sustainable results that contribute to the development of creative sectors in developing countries that are parties to the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Project proposals must in particular contribute to:

• The implementation and/or development of policies and strategies that have a direct and structural impact on the creation, production, distribution and access to a diversity of cultural goods and services.
• Capacity building of public institutions and civil society organisations to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets.

Public institutions and NGOs from eligible countries are invited to submit their proposals, as well as international NGOs registered in countries that are parties to the 2005 convention. Since 2010, the IFCD has invested more than $10m through 140 projects in 69 developing countries. These various initiatives have contributed to the development and implementation of cultural policies, the strengthening of vocational training and cultural entrepreneurship, supporting access to new markets, as well as the participation and inclusion of vulnerable groups in cultural life.

Through the IFCD’s 2023 call for projects, UNESCO renews its commitment to strengthening cultural and creative industries in developing countries, as fundamental pillars to protect and promote cultural diversity, encourage creativity and innovation, and build a more sustainable world. The IFCD is one of the key instruments of international cooperation and assistance of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005).

Eligible projects

The IFCD supports projects that lead to structural changes, through:

• The implementation and/or development of policies and strategies that have a direct effect on the creation, production, distribution and access to a diversity of cultural expressions, including cultural activities, goods and services.
• The strengthening of the human and organisational capacities of public institutions and civil society organisations, necessary for the development of viable cultural industries at the local and regional levels in developing countries.

Who can submit an application?

• Public authorities and institutions of eligible countries (developing countries parties to the 2005 convention).
• NGOs from eligible countries (developing countries parties to the 2005 convention).
• International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) registered in countries Parties to the 2005 convention.

Amount of funding

• Maximum of $100 000.

Implementation period

• Minimum 12 months to a maximum 24 months.

Languages of submission

• English or French

How to apply?

To submit an application, applicants should log in or create an account here and here, respectively, before 16 May. Any queries regarding this call should be sent to the secretariat of the 2005 convention via email at convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org.

View the original call here.