The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched its 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is the 13th of June 2019 and the maximum amount that you can apply for is US$ 100,000. In this article, we give you tips for applying to this opportunity.
Who can apply to the 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity
The 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity is open for applications from a range of developing countries that are parties to the 2005 convention. A full list of countries can be found here. Public authorities and institutions, as well as NGOs from these countries, can apply for this grant.
International NGOs from countries that are parties to the 2005 convention can apply as well. A list of countries that are eligible can be found here.
What can be funded through the 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity
The 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity funds a variety of projects. Its main purpose is to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction through the fostering of a dynamic cultural sector. A key element is the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. Another is the reinforcement of institutional infrastructures supporting viable cultural industries.
All the project should trigger structural change through the following strategies:
- the introduction and/or elaboration of policies and strategies 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 the public sector and civil society organizations, deemed necessary to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets in developing countries.
How to apply for the 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity
To apply for the 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity, you have to send the full application electronically until the 13th of June 2019.
The UNESCO has prepared detailed guidelines that help you to navigate the process, so make sure you read them thoroughly and follow them in every aspect.
You have to fill out a project framework that is provided by UNESCO with the following sections: Objectives, Outputs, Activities, Budget, Team and Summary. The guidelines give you very detailed advice on how to fill out every section of the project framework. Depending on the type of your organization, you also have to attach documents like your registration and proof of partnership.
Once you have finished this step, you can fill out the online application form. Again, the form has different sections, namely applicant information, project information, contribution to the IFCD outcomes, sustainability, and other funding.
The 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity – What to look out for
If you decide to apply for the 10th International Fund for Cultural Diversity with your organization, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind.
In the guidelines, the importance of tangible and measurable outputs is stressed several times. Make sure your project fits that bill. Also point out exactly how your project fits into the overall strategy. The budget needs to be comprehensive and – of course – correct as well. And, as always, follow the guidelines exactly. It is pointed out several times that applications that do not do this 100% are disqualified. Make sure that you have all additional documents in the right format and submit on time!
For the guidelines and more information, please visit the organization’s homepage.