UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) 2026 for Innovative Projects (Up To US$ 100,000)

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Applications are open for UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) 2026. UNESCO is launching the seventeenth call for funding requests to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD). This call welcomes projects aimed at fostering the emergence of dynamic cultural and creative sectors in developing countries, in alignment with the objectives of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The proposed projects should contribute to:

The implementation and/or elaboration of policies and measures that have a direct, structural impact on the creation, production, distribution and access to a diversity of cultural goods and services, and/or
The strengthening of capacities in public institutions and civil society organizations to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets.

UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) Benefits

Through an open and competitive process, UNESCO fund innovative projects with up to US$ 100,000, implemented over a 12–24-month period. The projects are evaluated based on their relevance, feasibility, financial management capacity and expected results.

Funding Details

Funding amount
- Maximum 100,000 USD
Implementation period
- Minimum 12 months – maximum 24 months
Languages of submission
- English or French

Eligibility Criteria for UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)

Eligible projects

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

The introduction and/or elaboration of policies and mesures 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 organizations, 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, Parties to the 2005 Convention).
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from eligible countries (developing countries, Parties to the 2005 Convention)
International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) registered in countries Parties to the 2005 Convention.