The UNESCO Participation Grant Programme supports Member States and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO. The grant programme is open globally and supports national, sub-regional, inter-regional, and regional projects aligned with the agency’s initiatives. Funding amounts is biennium and varies on the projects and regions for the 2026-2027. These include USD 26,000 for national projects, USD 28,000 for sub-regional and inter-regional projects, and USD 38,000 for regional projects. The submission deadline is 27 February 2026.
About The UNESCO Participation Grant ProgrammeÂ
The Participation Grant Programme is sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It is a specialised agency of the United Nations that supports projects of different Member States and Non-Governmental Organisations in official partnership with the agency. The grant fund seeks to strengthen member states’ cooperation and advance UNESCO’s fields of competence, including education, culture, sciences, communication and information.
Funding Size
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- Typical grant amount: The funding varies by project and regional funding needs.
- Maximum award:
- US$26,000 for a national project.
- US$28,000 for a subregional or interregional project.
- US$38,000 for a regional project.
- Project duration supported: Two years, the grant is a biennium for 2026-2027
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Who Can Apply for the UNESCO Participation Grant ProgrammeÂ
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- Eligible organisation types:Â
- UNESCO member states
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- Registration requirements:
- NGOs and member states must be official partners of UNESCO.
- Projects must relate to the agency’s activities.
- Member states can submit up to 7 requests, and one of them must focus on gender equality.
- Geographic eligibility: Worldwide
- Sector or thematic focus: Projects that relate to UNESCO’s strategic priorities
Application Process
- Visit the official grant website and check for eligibility.Â
- Submit your application requests online through the National Commission.
- Member States can submit up to 7 requests.
- NGO project submissions must include supporting letters from the Member States.
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Required Materials
- Supporting letters from member states for NGOs
- Project proposalÂ
- Budget
- Proof of organisation registration
Key Dates
- Application deadline: february 27, 2026
- Notification timeline: Not publicly specified.
Selection Notes
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- The grant programme is competitive, as selection is based on projects that align with the agency’s priorities.
- Priority focus areas:
- Gender equality
- Youth
- Developing countries
- Exclusions: Projects that do not align with the agency’s initiatives.
Official Source of the UNESCO Participation Grant ProgrammeÂ
- Official Application Page: https://www.unesco.org/en/member-states-portal/participation-programmeÂ
