Open call: 2025 UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity

The call is designed for projects aimed at strengthening the creative sectors in the global South. It is designed to contribute to the implementation and development of policies and measures that enhance the creation, production, distribution, and accessibility of diverse cultural goods and services.

Additionally, the fund seeks to build capacity within public institutions and civil society organisations to support viable cultural industries and markets at local and regional levels.

Public institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from eligible countries in the global South are encouraged to apply, along with international NGOs registered in countries that are signatories to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Eligible projects

The IFCD invests in projects that lead to structural change through:

• The introduction and/or elaboration of policies and measures that have a direct effect on the creation, production, distribution of and access to a diversity of cultural expressions, including cultural goods, services and activities.
• The reinforcement of human and institutional capacities of public sector and civil society organisations, deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets in developing countries.

Who can apply

• Public authorities and institutions from eligible countries (developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions).
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from eligible countries.
• International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) registered in countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.

Funding and implementation

Maximum funding amount:

• US$100,000 per project.

Implementation period:

• Minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

Languages of submission:

• English or French.

The IFCD’s 2025 call for applications aligns with the objectives of the 2005 Convention by reinforcing international collaboration and capacity-building initiatives in developing nations. Previous projects supported by the fund have contributed to policy development, enhanced cultural entrepreneurship, and fostered inclusivity within the creative sectors.

Applicants can submit their applications online here before 21 May. Email the Secretariat of the 2005 Convention at convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org for further information.