Applications Are Open for the 2025 UNESCO International Fund $100,000 Prize

Applications are open for the 2025 UNESCO International Fund, which is dedicated to bolstering the cultural and creative sectors in underdeveloped nations.

The UNESCO International Fund awards creative initiatives up to $100,000 USD over a 12- to 24-month term through an open and competitive process.

Everything you need to know about the UNESCO International Fund will be covered in this post. It includes the specifics, prerequisites, advantages, and a detailed application procedure.

🗓️ When is the deadline for applications?

June 14, 2024, by 12:00 PM (noon Paris time)

(Note: Some sources erroneously list May 21, 2025, but the official UNESCO deadline is June 14, 2024.)

🏆 Describe the award to me:

The UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) supports transformative projects that strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in developing countries. Projects must show a concrete and lasting impact in implementing cultural policies or empowering cultural and creative industries.

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🎓 Which fields qualify?

Projects related to:

• Cultural policy development
• Creative and cultural industry growth
• Cultural entrepreneurship
• Production, distribution, and access to cultural goods and services
• Capacity building in cultural sectors

📘 The type:

Grant for Project Implementation

🙋‍♂️ Who is eligible to apply?

• Public institutions in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in those countries
• International NGOs registered in a Party to the 2005 Convention

🧠 How Do They Choose Applicants?

Projects are selected through an open and competitive process based on:

• Structural and long-term impact
• Relevance to cultural policy and industry development
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Capacity to promote cultural diversity and innovation

🌍 Which nations are qualified?

Developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

See full list of eligible countries

📍 Where will the prize be accepted?

Projects must be implemented within the eligible developing countries mentioned above.

🔢 How Many Honors?

UNESCO does not specify a fixed number per year, but funding is awarded to multiple projects (152 projects funded since 2010).

🎁 What Advantage Does the Award Offer?

• Up to USD 100,000 per project
• International visibility and endorsement by UNESCO
• Support for long-term cultural development and sustainability

⏳ What’s the Duration of the Award?

12 to 24 months, depending on the project scope

📝 How do I Apply?

1. Visit the IFCD Online Application Portal
2. Create an account and submit your proposal in English or French
3. Upload all required documentation and ensure project aligns with IFCD priorities
4. Submit before June 14, 2024 (12:00 PM Paris time)

📩 For inquiries: convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org

🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details

👉 UNESCO IFCD Official Page