Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026
By United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
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Quick Answer
Grants of up to US$20,000 (about ₹19 lakh) plus a year of mentoring for non-profits scaling projects on inclusion and intercultural dialogue. The 2026 call is closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 16 April 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The 2026 call for the Intercultural Innovation Hub is closed. The deadline was 5 pm EDT (New York time) on 15 April 2026, which was 2:30 am IST on 16 April. The official application page now thanks applicants and says later selection steps are under way; it gives no date for a next call, so watch the Hub's website and mailing list.
The Intercultural Innovation Hub is run by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), based in New York, and the BMW Group, with support from Accenture. Each year it selects up to 10 non-profit projects that build inclusive societies and helps them scale. This page explains what the 2026 call involved so you can prepare for the next one.
What the program offers
Selected organisations receive a grant of up to US$20,000 (about ₹19 lakh) to scale their work, a year-long capacity-building programme of workshops, masterclasses and mentoring, and a place in a global network of practitioners and alumni. The grant cannot pay salaries, and one-off events such as festivals or conferences are not funded. The money is for growing a project that already works, not for starting one.
Who can apply
The call is open to registered not-for-profit organisations and not-for-profit social enterprises, including NGOs, charities, foundations, faith-based groups and research or educational institutions. In 2026 the organisation had to be registered as a non-profit in its country of operation by March 2024. It must be running a project that promotes intercultural dialogue and diverse, inclusive societies. Themes include tackling xenophobia and hate speech, preventing violent extremism, gender equality, sport, art and culture for social inclusion, disability inclusion, and the use of AI and new technology for people.
Organisations that have already received UNAOC support, or a BMW Group award for Intercultural Learning or Commitment, cannot apply. Projects that applied in earlier editions and were not selected may apply again.
For an Indian applicant, the call is a fit for a registered NGO, Section 8 company or trust with a working inclusion project. A for-profit startup is not eligible. If you receive foreign money as an Indian organisation, check FCRA, FEMA and tax treatment with an adviser first.
How to apply
Check the eligibility criteria on the Hub's site and complete the online application while the call is open. Long-listed and short-listed applicants are contacted during selection. A practical tip: prepare a clear budget, your registration papers, and measurable results for the project before the call opens, because replicability and measurability are central to the judging.
How applications are judged and what happens next
Shortlisted projects are scored on three things: the organisation (structure, intercultural commitment, budget, transparency and equality policies), the project (relevance, quality, clarity, innovation, measurability, sustainability and especially replicability) and the application itself. An international jury is involved. Because of the volume of applications, unsuccessful applicants do not receive individual feedback. All applicants receive a message once finalists are chosen. Selected organisations join the year-long programme.
About the organisers
UNAOC is a United Nations initiative that works on intercultural dialogue and understanding, with its offices in New York. The BMW Group is the German carmaker, which has partnered with UNAOC on this project and on an award for intercultural learning. Accenture supports the Hub. The Hub also publishes its recipients and alumni by region and theme on its website.
Things to check before you apply
- Confirm the registration cut-off date for the next call; in 2026 it was March 2024.
- Check the grant rules: no salaries, and no one-off events.
- Be ready to show how your project can be copied or scaled elsewhere.
- Expect no personal feedback if you are not selected.
- A practical tip: submit early, since the Hub's deadline was set in New York time, which falls in the early hours in India.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Each selected organisation receives up to US$20,000 (about ₹19 lakh) to scale its project, a year-long capacity-building programme of workshops, masterclasses, tailored support and mentoring from UNAOC and the BMW Group with Accenture, and membership of a global network with chances to join regional and international events.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Shortlisted projects are judged on the organisation, the project (especially replicability) and the application, with an international jury. Unsuccessful applicants do not get individual feedback, and all applicants are messaged once finalists are chosen.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit the application before the deadline.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intercultural Innovation Hub open now?
No. The 2026 call closed at 5 pm EDT on 15 April 2026, which was 2:30 am IST on 16 April. The official page gives no next call date.
Who can apply?
Registered not-for-profit organisations and not-for-profit social enterprises running a project on intercultural dialogue and inclusion. In 2026 they had to be registered by March 2024.
Can Indian NGOs apply?
The call is not limited to one country, so a registered Indian NGO or trust with a qualifying project can apply, subject to the rules for the round. Check FCRA and FEMA rules with an adviser before receiving foreign funds.
Can for-profit startups apply?
No. Only not-for-profit organisations and not-for-profit social enterprises are eligible.
How much is the grant?
Up to US$20,000 (about ₹19 lakh), plus a year-long programme of workshops, masterclasses and mentoring.
What can the grant pay for?
Scaling up the project. It cannot be used for salaries, and one-time events such as festivals or conferences are not supported.
How are projects chosen?
Shortlisted projects are judged on the organisation, the project and the application, with special weight on replicability, by an international jury.
Will I get feedback if I am rejected?
No. Because of the volume of applications, unsuccessful applicants do not receive individual feedback.
Is it a grant or equity?
It is a grant to non-profit organisations; no equity is involved.
Do I have to travel?
The pages checked do not say whether travel is required. Ask the Hub or read the programme FAQ before applying.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
