Funding your cluster activity
Clusters usually self-finance projects through the budgets of their members and by pooling resources from some or all members.
Projects can be funded through a combination of pooled resources, applications to the Cluster Fund, and support from other co-financing partners.
Clusters pool resources in different ways — for example, by allocating parts of their bilateral or local budgets received from headquarters, or by offering in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are non-monetary support such as venue hire or staff time provided free of charge.
Remember: a project can be labelled a “EUNIC project” if at least three Full Members are actively involved. All projects should be carried out with local partners and aligned with the cluster’s strategy.
EUNIC Cluster Fund
The EUNIC Cluster Fund is our primary instrument to financially support collaborative cluster activities worldwide. It co-finances cluster projects that embody the principles of international cultural relations and support the implementation of both the cluster's strategy as well as the vision, mission and objectives outlined in the EUNIC Strategic Framework.
EUNIC Members at headquarter level make voluntary contributions to the fund each year. Since 2012, more than 200 projects have been supported with a total budget of over 1.3 million euros.
Only Associate Members at global level that contribute to the Cluster Fund and can submit and administer a Cluster Fund application on behalf of a EUNIC cluster. Associate Members in clusters can still participate in projects even if there is no contribution made at a global level from their organisation.
The selection criteria are based on the principles of contemporary cultural relations as well as the relevance to the local context, feasibility, active participation of partners, measured impact and a convincing communications plan.
Applying for the cluster fund
Each year, we invite clusters to apply for the Cluster Fund, which supports cultural relations projects taking place in the following calendar year. A jury of cultural relations experts from EUNIC member organisations is selected to evaluate proposals.
Clusters can apply for up to €20,000, covering a maximum of 60% of the total project budget. Proposals must involve at least three Full EUNIC Members. Close collaboration with key local cultural partners is essential, and where relevant, cooperation with the EU Delegation or European Commission Representation is encouraged. Partners may include arts and cultural organisations, civil society organisations, or public bodies.
Projects should align with the local Cluster Strategy and reflect EUNIC’s broader cultural relations principles. In line with EUNIC’s organisational commitment to fair collaboration, projects should be built on partnerships at eye level. This includes shared ownership, active participation, and joint governance by all involved partners.
Check our news page for the latest information on open calls.
spaces of culture: Sub-Saharan Africa
Spaces of Culture is a new programme focused specifically on Sub-Saharan Africa and modelled on the European Spaces of Culture programme. It prioritises collaboration, dialogue, and mutual learning between European and local partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Spaces of Culture launches as part of the wider Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme from the European Commission, which aims to encourage cooperation between African and European artists, creators, and cultural professionals.
The purpose of this call is to support cultural relations projects in Sub-Saharan African countries, based on equal partnerships and local ownership, involving local cultural and civil society stakeholders, EUNIC members, and EU Delegations.
Find out more about Spaces of Culture in Sub-Saharan Africa.
European spaces of culture
European Spaces of Culture is a funding programme attributed to EUNIC by the European Commission. It is testing ground for innovative collaboration models in cultural relations between European and local partner organisations in countries outside the EU. At the heart of the programme lies a spirit of dialogue, in which equality, mutual listening and learning represent the core values that help build trust and understanding between peoples.
By testing and evaluating innovative cultural relations work worldwide and gathering policy and practice recommendations, the project contributes to the implementation of the EU strategic approach to international cultural relations.
EUNIC Ukraine Fund
The EUNIC Ukraine Fund builds on the Culture of Solidarity Funds which were set up following the Russian full scale invasion of Ukraine. The fund today aims to support the presence and promotion of Ukrainian culture, artists and cultural actors both in Europe and countries around the world.
The 2025 edition of the EUNIC Ukraine Fund supports the Ukrainian Institute's efforts to establish itself in the following countries: Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India and Indonesia.
EUNIC members are encouraged to continue engaging with the Ukrainian Institute, particularly as it expands into new locations, creating new opportunities for EUNIC clusters and partners in these regions to collaborate with the Ukrainian Institute and contribute to supporting Ukraine’s cultural voice and sector.
The fund has been made possible through generous contributions from several EUNIC member organisations.
