Closed
Source verified September 4, 2026
International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)
Supports dynamic cultural sectors in developing countries
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Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) supports public authorities, institutions, NGOs and INGOs in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention, with up to US$100,000 for projects that foster dynamic cultural sectors. It backs policy development, capacity strengthening, market access and digital cultural industry initiatives over 12 to 24 months.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- 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 organizations deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets in developing countries.
Documents Needed
- The Project Framework.
- An official document proving legal status as an international NGO.
- An official document showing the list of members and their country(ies) of origin and demonstrating the international membership of the organization.
- An official document proving that recent activities, less than 5 years from the application date, have been carried out in several countries around the world.
- One letter of support from governmental authorities or public institutions from each beneficiary country.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Public authorities and institutions from eligible countries.
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from eligible countries.
- International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) registered in countries Parties to the 2005 Convention.
- Regional networks with legal status in compliance with the rules of the jurisdiction where they are registered and meeting the civil society definition used for the 2005 Convention.
Who is not eligible
- Regional authorities.
- National Commissions for UNESCO and any other organizations participating in the pre-selection or approval of projects submitted to the UNESCO Secretariat.
Eligible expenses
- Project communication.
- An external financial audit conducted at the end of the project.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects exclusively aiming at the production of cultural and artistic works and events.
- Projects related to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
- Projects related to tangible cultural heritage, including World Heritage sites.
- Projects aimed at offsetting a deficit, repaying a debt or paying interest; financing permanent working spaces and/or equipment; scholarships or grants for personal needs; or physical construction or restoration of buildings.
- Projects focusing on primary and secondary school environments, sustaining ongoing activities with recurring costs, or focusing on cultural tourism.
Eligible geographic areas
- Developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.
- Two or more eligible countries for INGO projects with sub-regional, regional or inter-regional impact.
Selection criteria
- Relevance to the objectives, priorities and areas of intervention of the 2005 Convention and the IFCD.
- Concrete, measurable, realistic and sustainable results.
- Feasibility, relevance, and ability to meet the needs and priorities of the State where the project will be implemented.
- Potential structural impact leading to a dynamic cultural sector, with contributions to South-South and North-South-South cooperation and support for Africa, Gender Equality, Small Island Developing States and youth.
- Financial accountability, capacity to implement the work plan and manage the budget, skills and competences of key people, stakeholder involvement, overhead costs not exceeding 30% of the total budget, and use of funds principally for project activities.
How to apply
- Review the Call for funding requests.
- Create your account by registering for access to the IFCD online platform.
- Access your account by following the steps listed in the User Guide and download the Project Framework.
- Review the Annotated Guide.
- Gather required complementary documents.
- Complete the Project Framework, fill out the online Application Form, upload the Project Framework and complementary documents, then click Save and close to finalize your funding request.
Processing and Agreement
- The UNESCO Secretariat performs a technical assessment to ensure applications are complete and fall within IFCD’s areas of intervention.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by an International Panel of Experts from UNESCO’s six regions, with each application assessed by two panel members.
- Final recommendations are sent to the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention, which makes the final funding decision.
- If selected, UNESCO informs the beneficiary of the approval and the steps needed to prepare the contract for project implementation.
- The applicant becomes the legal beneficiary, signs the contract with UNESCO, and is responsible for project implementation, coordination, and the supporting documents required for payment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) Program
What is the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)?
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) supports public authorities, institutions, NGOs and INGOs in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention, with up to US$100,000 for projects that foster dynamic cultural sectors. It backs policy development, capacity strengthening, market access and digital cultural industry initiatives over 12 to 24 months.
How much funding can be received?
International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) program?
To be eligible for the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) program, you must:
Projects must lead to structural change through policies and measures that directly affect the creation, production, distribution and access to diverse cultural expressions.
Projects must reinforce the capacities of public sector and civil society organizations that support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets.
What expenses are eligible under International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)?
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 organizations deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets in developing countries.
Who can I contact for more information about the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)?
You can contact UNESCO by email at convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org.
Where is the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) available?
The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) program is available across Canada.
Is the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) is a Grant and Funding