UNESCO is accepting International Assistance funding requests for 2027 to support the protection of World Heritage sites. Eligible governments must submit requests through authorised national bodies by the applicable deadline.
Background & Funding Description
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is inviting eligible countries to submit requests for International Assistance funding for 2027 under the World Heritage Convention.
The funding programme supports efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage sites, strengthen conservation and management, and help countries prepare for World Heritage-related activities. It aims to assist States Parties in preserving heritage of outstanding universal value, particularly properties facing serious threats.
The programme offers assistance through three main categories: Emergency Assistance, Conservation and Management Assistance, and Preparatory Assistance.
The published deadline for 2027 funding requests is 31 October 2026. However, UNESCO indicates that certain requests, including Emergency Assistance and requests of US$5,000 or less, may be submitted throughout the year under applicable rules.
Important: This is not an individual scholarship or a personal grant. Eligible States Parties must submit requests through authorised government or national UNESCO bodies.
Funding Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNESCO World Heritage Centre |
| Funding programme | International Assistance under the World Heritage Convention |
| Funding cycle | 2027 |
| Main purpose | Protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage |
| Eligible applicants | Eligible States Parties to the World Heritage Convention |
| Funding areas | Emergency Assistance, Conservation and Management, Preparatory Assistance |
| General submission deadline for 2027 | 31 October 2026 |
| Funding amount | Depends on the category, project and applicable funding rules |
| Official application page | UNESCO International Assistance |
What Projects Can Be Funded?
UNESCO International Assistance supports projects connected to World Heritage protection, conservation and preparation. Eligible activities depend on the assistance category.
1. Emergency Assistance
This category supports responses to emergencies that threaten World Heritage properties. Emergency requests are subject to the programme’s applicable requirements and may be submitted throughout the year.
2. Conservation and Management Assistance
This category supports the conservation, management and presentation of properties already inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Eligible activities may include conservation work, preparing or updating management plans, developing risk-preparedness plans, obtaining specialist expertise or equipment, and undertaking relevant scientific research.
3. Preparatory Assistance
Preparatory Assistance supports activities connected to properties included on national Tentative Lists. Such projects may help countries prepare for World Heritage nomination or undertake other eligible preparatory work.
UNESCO gives priority to the most threatened properties. The availability of funding depends on the project, applicable criteria and resources available.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The programme is open in principle to States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, provided they meet the applicable conditions, including requirements relating to contributions to the World Heritage Fund.
The following organisations and applicants cannot independently submit International Assistance requests under the World Heritage Fund:
- Individuals applying in their personal capacity.
- Private companies.
- Foundations.
- Universities.
- Intergovernmental organisations.
- Non-governmental organisations.
Requests must be transmitted by a State Party’s National Commission for UNESCO, Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, or an appropriate government department or ministry.
When available funding is limited, UNESCO’s guidelines provide for preference to be given to certain countries, including least developed countries, low-income economies, lower-middle-income countries, small island developing States and States Parties in post-conflict situations, as applicable.
Additional Information
Application Deadline
The published deadline for International Assistance requests for the 2027 funding cycle is 31 October 2026.
UNESCO’s guidance distinguishes between request types and amounts. In particular, certain Emergency Assistance requests and requests of US$5,000 or less may be submitted at any time, subject to the relevant rules. Applicants should check the detailed requirements for their category before preparing a submission.
How to Apply
- Confirm that the proposed project and the requesting State Party meet UNESCO’s eligibility requirements.
- Identify the appropriate assistance category and review its application rules.
- Contact the relevant National Commission for UNESCO, Permanent Delegation or authorised government department.
- If submitting online without an existing login, request access by emailing the International Assistance Coordinator with your name, institution and function.
- Complete the application, provide supporting documentation and follow the required submission and signature procedures.
Applications may be submitted through the official UNESCO International Assistance portal. The page also provides access to a Word application form and written guidelines for applicants who cannot submit online.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is UNESCO International Assistance funding?
It is financial assistance under the World Heritage Convention that helps eligible countries protect cultural and natural heritage sites and undertake qualifying heritage-related projects.
2. What is the deadline for UNESCO International Assistance funding 2027?
The published deadline is 31 October 2026. Certain request types, including Emergency Assistance and requests of US$5,000 or less, may be submitted throughout the year under the applicable rules.
3. Can individuals apply for UNESCO International Assistance funding?
No. Individuals cannot submit requests in their personal capacity. Requests must be transmitted through an authorised national UNESCO body or appropriate government department or ministry.
4. Can NGOs, universities or private companies apply directly?
No. UNESCO states that companies, individuals, foundations, universities, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs are not eligible to submit International Assistance requests under the World Heritage Fund.
5. Which projects are eligible for funding?
Projects must relate to properties on the World Heritage List for Emergency or Conservation and Management Assistance, or to properties on national Tentative Lists for Preparatory Assistance.
6. What types of assistance are available?
The three main categories are Emergency Assistance, Conservation and Management Assistance, and Preparatory Assistance.
7. How much funding can applicants receive?
There is no single amount that applies to every project. Funding limits and submission procedures depend on the assistance category, requested amount and applicable programme rules.
8. Can a country apply if it has unpaid contributions to the World Heritage Fund?
Eligibility may be affected if a State Party is in arrears on the relevant compulsory or voluntary contributions. Countries should confirm their contribution status and applicable requirements before submitting requests.
9. How can applicants obtain access to the online application system?
Authorised personnel without a login should contact the International Assistance Coordinator through the official programme page and provide their name, institution and function.
10. Where can I find the official application guidelines?
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre International Assistance page for the application portal, written guidelines and additional programme information.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
UNESCO International Assistance provides an important funding mechanism for countries seeking to protect cultural and natural heritage. It may be relevant to government agencies and national UNESCO bodies developing conservation, management, emergency response or preparatory projects.
The most important consideration is that this funding is not open to individuals or organisations applying independently. Prospective projects must be submitted through the authorised national channels and meet the relevant category requirements.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding and development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNESCO and does not administer this funding programme. Applicants should confirm eligibility, deadlines and submission procedures through the official UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
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