UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity 2026: Apply for Up to US$100,000 in Global Cultural Development Funding
Overview
The UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) is a multi-donor voluntary fund set up under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It supports projects that bring lasting structural change to cultural and creative sectors in eligible developing countries. Rather than funding individual artistic activities, it targets whole cultural ecosystems by strengthening policies, institutions, markets and professional capacities. The fund has invested more than US$13.6 million in over 175 projects across 77 developing countries.
What you get
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to US$100,000. Projects run for 12 to 24 months. Grants are generally paid in stages: 50% at the start, 30% after successful mid-term implementation and 20% after completion and submission of final reports.
Who can apply
Applications are open to organisations and institutions from eligible developing countries that are Parties to the UNESCO 2005 Convention. This includes government ministries, public institutions, national cultural agencies, non-governmental and civil society organisations, and international NGOs operating in two or more eligible countries.
Supported work includes cultural policy development, creative industry development in areas such as film, music, publishing, performing arts, visual arts, design and digital creative industries, capacity building, market development, cultural entrepreneurship and institutional strengthening. Priorities include cultural governance, sustainable creative economies, gender equality, youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional cooperation.
Requirements
Proposals are assessed on relevance to the fund's objectives, sustainability, impact, feasibility and organisational capacity. Applicants generally submit an application form, a detailed project proposal, a budget, an implementation timeline, organisational information, supporting documents and evidence of capacity. Applications are typically submitted in English or French.