UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)

A Kenyan music collective launches a recording studio for emerging artists. A Colombian nonprofit develops a marketplace app for indigenous crafts. A Tunisian organization creates a training program for cultural entrepreneurs. These projects—funded through UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity—demonstrate how targeted investment can strengthen creative economies in developing countries.

At a Glance

What is the IFCD?

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) is a multi-donor fund established under UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Since 2010, the IFCD has invested over $10 million in more than 130 projects across 60+ developing countries.

The 2005 Convention

The IFCD exists to implement Article 18 of the 2005 Convention, which calls for:

• Strengthening cultural industries in developing countries
• Supporting cultural policy development
• Promoting the diversity of cultural expressions

What Makes IFCD Unique

• Developing country focus: Exclusively targets countries with emerging creative economies
• Policy emphasis: Prioritizes projects that influence cultural policy, not just cultural production
• Systemic change: Funds ecosystem strengthening, not individual artistic projects
• Government endorsement: Requires national point of contact approval

Funding Priorities

The IFCD funds projects that create structural changes in cultural and creative sectors:

Primary Areas

1. Cultural policy development and implementation

   • New cultural legislation or regulations
   • Cultural mapping and data collection
   • Policy research and analysis

2. Capacity building for cultural entrepreneurs and organizations

   • Training programs for creative professionals
   • Business skills for cultural sector workers
   • Organizational development for cultural institutions

3. Market access and trade in cultural goods and services

   • Platforms connecting creators to markets
   • Export promotion for cultural products
   • Fair trade initiatives in creative industries

4. Cultural and creative industries infrastructure

   • Creative hubs and incubators
   • Technology platforms for distribution
   • Networking initiatives across regions

What IFCD Does NOT Fund

• Individual artistic creation or production
• Cultural festivals or one-time events
• Research without practical application
• Projects in countries not party to the 2005 Convention
• Projects primarily benefiting developed countries

Eligibility Requirements

Country Eligibility

Your country must be:

1. Party to the 2005 Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
2. Classified as a developing country by UNESCO

Currently eligible regions include: Most of Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Check the UNESCO list of parties to confirm your country’s status.

Applicant Eligibility

Not eligible:

• Individuals
• Organizations from non-party countries
• International organizations (though they may be partners)
• Organizations from developed countries

Project Requirements

• Duration: 12-24 months
• Clear connection to 2005 Convention objectives
• Demonstrated sustainability beyond IFCD funding
• Measurable outcomes and indicators
• Co-financing or in-kind contributions (strengthens application)

Application Process

Step 1: National Point of Contact Approval

Critical first step: Before applying, you MUST contact your country’s National Point of Contact for the 2005 Convention. They must:

• Endorse your project
• Provide an official letter of support
• Submit a priority ranking (if multiple applications from your country)

Find your National Point of Contact at: UNESCO’s Convention Portal

Step 2: Online Application

Applications submitted through UNESCO’s online platform include:

Project Description

• Problem statement and context
• Objectives and expected results
• Activities and methodology
• Target beneficiaries
• Sustainability plan

Logical Framework

• Specific objectives
• Expected results
• Indicators of achievement
• Means of verification

Budget

• Detailed line-item budget
• Justification for each expense
• Co-financing documentation

Supporting Documents

• National Point of Contact endorsement
• Organizational registration documents
• Letters of partnership (if applicable)
• Previous project evidence (if applicable)

Step 3: Technical Review

UNESCO Secretariat screens applications for:

• Eligibility compliance
• Completeness
• Technical soundness
• Budget appropriateness

Step 4: Expert Panel Evaluation

An independent Panel of Experts evaluates proposals against criteria:

Step 5: Intergovernmental Committee Decision

The Intergovernmental Committee for the 2005 Convention makes final funding decisions at its annual session (typically December).

Timeline

Writing a Strong Application

Understanding What Evaluators Seek

Convention alignment: Your project must clearly connect to the 2005 Convention’s goals—not just cultural activity, but strengthening the cultural sector ecosystem.

Systemic impact: Show how your project changes systems, not just delivers activities. Training 50 artists is good; creating a sustainable training institute is better.

Policy connection: Even if you’re an NGO, demonstrate how your work influences or implements cultural policy.

Structuring Your Proposal

Problem Statement

• Specific gap in your country’s creative sector
• Evidence of the problem (data, research, examples)
• Why existing solutions are insufficient

Project Approach

• Clear theory of change
• Logical progression of activities
• Appropriate methodology for context
• Partnerships that strengthen delivery

Sustainability

• How will impact continue after IFCD funding ends?
• Revenue model, policy adoption, or institutional embedding
• Realistic plan, not aspirational statements

Budget Tips

• Be specific: “Training workshops” is weak; “3 two-day workshops for 25 participants each, including venue, materials, facilitator fees” is strong
• Justify everything: Each line item should connect to an activity and outcome
• Show co-financing: Even modest matching funds demonstrate commitment
• Include monitoring costs: Evaluation and reporting have real costs

Insider Tips

Before You Apply

• Connect early with your National Point of Contact—they can provide guidance and must endorse your application
• Research past funded projects—UNESCO publishes summaries; study what succeeds
• Build partnerships—multi-stakeholder projects often score higher
• Collect baseline data—you’ll need it for your logical framework

Application Strategy

• Focus on one clear objective—complex, multi-pronged projects often seem unfocused
• Be realistic about what $100,000 achieves—don’t overpromise
• Use UNESCO language—the Convention, diversity of cultural expressions, cultural policies
• Provide concrete indicators—“increased revenue” is vague; “20% increase in average monthly income for participating artisans” is measurable

If You’re a First-Time Applicant

• Start with a smaller, focused project
• Partner with an organization that has UNESCO grant experience
• Allow extra time for the National Point of Contact process
• Review the evaluation criteria and structure your proposal to address each one

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility Errors

• Missing National Point of Contact endorsement—automatic disqualification
• Wrong country classification—not all developing countries are eligible
• Individual applicants—IFCD funds organizations, not individuals
• Developed country organizations—even with developing country impact, not eligible

Content Problems

• Too focused on artistic production—IFCD funds sector development, not art creation
• Vague objectives—“strengthen cultural industries” without specifics scores poorly
• No sustainability plan—projects that end when funding ends don’t fit IFCD’s goals
• Disconnected from policy—purely grassroots projects without policy linkages struggle

Technical Issues

• Budget doesn’t match activities—inconsistencies raise red flags
• Unrealistic timeline—12-24 months isn’t long; don’t overcommit
• Missing supporting documents—incomplete applications aren’t evaluated
• Late submission—no extensions granted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply as an individual artist?

No. IFCD funds organizations (NGOs, public institutions, private companies) that work to strengthen cultural sectors, not individual creative projects.

My country isn’t party to the Convention—can I apply?

No. Only organizations from countries that have ratified the 2005 Convention are eligible. Encourage your government to join the Convention.

Do I need government approval?

Yes. Your National Point of Contact (typically in the Ministry of Culture) must endorse your application. This is a mandatory requirement.

Can organizations from developed countries participate?

Not as lead applicants. However, organizations from developed countries can be partners on projects led by eligible developing country organizations.

How competitive is this fund?

Historically, 15-25 projects are funded annually from 200-300 applications (roughly 10% success rate). Competition varies by region.

Can I apply for less than $100,000?

Yes. The $100,000 is a maximum. Many funded projects request $50,000-$80,000.

What if my project takes longer than 24 months?

IFCD projects are limited to 24 months. If your work requires longer, focus your application on what can be achieved in that timeframe, with sustainability plans for continuation.

Can I reapply if rejected?

Yes. Many successful applicants applied multiple times before funding. Review feedback and strengthen your proposal.

Is IFCD Right for Your Project?

Strong fit if:

• You’re an organization in a developing country party to the 2005 Convention
• Your project strengthens creative sector systems, not just produces cultural content
• You have (or can obtain) National Point of Contact support
• Your work connects to cultural policy development or implementation
• You can demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period

Not the right fit if:

• You’re an individual artist seeking project funding
• Your country hasn’t ratified the 2005 Convention
• Your project is a one-time event or festival
• You’re from a developed country (even with developing country impact)
• You need funding for pure artistic creation

The IFCD represents one of the few global funding mechanisms specifically designed to strengthen cultural and creative industries in developing countries—offering both funding and connection to a global network of cultural policy advocates.