UNESCO is accepting proposals for innovative projects that aim to strengthen the cultural and creative sectors in developing countries. The UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity framework of its 10th IFCD call for applications. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) is a multi-donor fund, established by the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) to support its implementation in developing countries.

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

• the introduction and/or elaboration of policies and strategies that have a direct impact on the creation, production, distribution of as well as access to a diversity of cultural expressions, including cultural goods, services, and activities;
• the reinforcement of human and institutional capacities of the public sector and civil society organizations deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries as well as markets in developing countries.

Public authorities/institutions and NGOs from developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention, as well as international NGOs are all eligible to apply. Since 2010, the IFCD has provided nearly 7 million USD in funding for 105 projects in more than 50 developing countries, covering a wide range of areas.

Eligible projects

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

• the introduction and/or elaboration of policies and strategies that have a direct effect on the creation, production, distribution of as well as access to a diversity of cultural expressions, including cultural goods, services, and activities;
• the reinforcement of human and institutional capacities of the public sector and civil society organizations, deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries as well as 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

Funding amount

The selected project will receive a maximum funding amount of 100,000 USD. The fund is applicable for a minimum of 12 months. However, the maximum duration of the project can’t exceed 24 months. Further, the language for submission is restricted to English and French.

Deadline

The deadline to submit applications on the IFCD online Application form is 13 June 2019, midnight, Paris time. Applications received after this deadline will not be eligible for this funding period.

How To Apply

Applicants wishing to submit their candidature must do so by filling up the application form online. However, prior to submitting the form, you must make sure that your project is eligible for receiving the award. Moreover, you should also be from the region that the UN considers eligible for the application.