Grants for the Development of the Cultural Sector

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) launches its 17th call for funding requests in 2026.

The IFCD is a key instrument of international cooperation under the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Its objective is to support the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors in countries that are Parties to the Convention.

The program focuses on:

• strengthening the capacity to create, produce, and distribute cultural goods and services;
• improving access to cultural life;
• promoting international cooperation, including South–South and North–South collaboration;
• contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality and poverty reduction.

Since 2010, the fund has invested USD 13.6 million in 175 projects across 77 countries, supporting the creative economy and sustainable economic growth.

Within the IFCD grant program, eligibility criteria and participation requirements define both the types of applicants and the scope of projects.

Eligible applicants include:

• public authorities and institutions from eligible countries (Parties to the 2005 Convention);
• non-governmental organizations from eligible countries that meet the definition of civil society;
• international non-governmental organizations registered in countries that are Parties to the Convention, implementing projects in developing countries.

Projects are expected to contribute to structural and sustainable change, particularly through:

• the development or implementation of cultural policies and measures;
• strengthening the capacities of public sector and civil society organizations.

Eligible sectors of intervention include:

• audio-visual/cinema;
• design;
• media arts;
• music;
• performing arts;
• publishing;
• visual arts.

Projects may have either a sectoral or a transversal focus.

Within the grant program, funding conditions and principles for the use of funds are clearly defined:

• the maximum grant amount is USD 100,000;
• funding is disbursed in instalments:
  • at the beginning of the project — 50%;
  • mid-way through implementation — 30%;
  • upon completion — 20%.

An international panel of experts evaluates the applicant’s financial and implementation capacity, ensuring that:

• overhead costs do not exceed 30% of the total budget;
• funds are primarily used for project activities;
• resources are not spread too thinly across sporadic actions.

Additional financial support, including co-funding or self-financing, is strongly encouraged to enhance project sustainability and effective implementation.

Within the IFCD grant program, supported activities vary by applicant type, alongside clearly defined non-eligible project categories.

Supported activities include:

• for public authorities and institutions:
  • developing tools for decision-making and strategic planning;
  • creating and strengthening cultural institutions and financing mechanisms;
  • enhancing international cooperation and market development;
  • building capacities of educational and professional institutions;
  • promoting cultural industries in the digital environment;
  • increasing participation in cultural life, especially among vulnerable groups;
  • implementing gender equality policies.
• for non-governmental organizations (NGOs):
  • strengthening civil society capacities in policy engagement and communication;
  • contributing to policy-making through monitoring and evaluation;
  • enhancing educational and training capacities in the cultural sector;
  • creating financing opportunities and improving market access;
  • promoting digital cultural industries;
  • fostering inclusion of vulnerable groups;
  • implementing gender equality measures.

At the same time, the following are not eligible:

• projects exclusively focused on the production of cultural works or events;
• projects related to tangible or intangible cultural heritage;
• projects aimed at debt repayment or financial liabilities;
• funding for infrastructure, construction, or equipment;
• individual grants or scholarships;
• projects focused on primary and secondary school environments;
• initiatives with ongoing operational costs or focused on cultural tourism.

Applications under the IFCD program are evaluated based on criteria reflecting alignment with the objectives and priorities of the 2005 Convention:

• alignment with the program’s objectives, priorities, and areas of intervention;
• contribution to concrete, measurable, and sustainable results;
• relevance to the needs and priorities of the country of implementation;
• potential for structural impact on the cultural sector;
• promotion of international cooperation (South–South and North–South) and support for UNESCO priorities;
• ensuring long-term impact and sustainability of results;
• compliance with the principle of financial accountability.

In addition, the skills and competencies of key project stakeholders, as well as their involvement in project design and implementation, are also assessed.

Within the IFCD grant program, a clear checklist of mandatory documents is required for application submission:

General requirements:

• all documents must be submitted in English or French;
• if original documents are in another language, a translation must be provided;
• missing documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and non-eligible.

For public authorities and institutions:

• an official document confirming the public/governmental status;
• pro forma invoices (if equipment and supplies are included in the budget);
• letters of support from partners (if applicable).

For non-governmental organizations (NGOs):

• an official document confirming non-governmental and non-profit status;
• pro forma invoices (if applicable);
• letters of support from partners.

For international non-governmental organizations (INGOs):

• a letter of support from public authorities or institutions in beneficiary countries;
• documents proving the international status of the organization (legal status, international membership, activities in several countries within the last 5 years);
• pro forma invoices (if applicable);
• letters of support from partners.

• Mandatory financial audit.
• Monitoring of fund usage.

Within the IFCD grant program, additional legal and procedural conditions apply to funding and application submission:

• the project budget must include costs for communication and an external financial audit at the end of the project;
• if approved, a funding contract will be signed with UNESCO, and all payments are made in US dollars;
• the beneficiary must be able to pre-finance the final portion of the budget corresponding to the last payment (20% of the grant).

Applicant definitions are also regulated:

• civil society includes non-governmental and non-profit organizations, as well as professional groups legally established and active in relevant fields;
• organizations involved in pre-selection or evaluation processes (including UNESCO National Commissions) are not eligible for funding.

Technical submission requirements include:

• applications should be submitted well in advance to avoid technical issues;
• each user may submit only one application;
• it is recommended to prepare all required information in advance (e.g., in a Word document) to prevent data loss.