United Nations Alliance of Civilizations/BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026 Applications Open

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

About the Program

Applications are now open for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations/BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Hub 2026. UNAOC and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, invite non-profit organizations worldwide to apply for this prestigious initiative that connects, empowers, and elevates innovative organizations addressing intercultural challenges globally. The Intercultural Innovation Hub serves as a catalyst for growth and greater impact, connecting people and cultures, empowering non-profit organizations, and elevating their approaches to tackling complex intercultural challenges through the development and implementation of impactful social innovations.

Since its inception in 2011, the Intercultural Innovation Award has supported over 160 projects from more than 60 countries, providing them with financial resources, capacity-building, and access to global networks.

Focus Areas

The Intercultural Innovation Hub will select up to 10 projects focused on the following areas:

• Addressing xenophobia and hate speech through innovative approaches that promote understanding and respect
• Preventing violent extremism by addressing root causes and building community resilience
• Promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls as agents of change
• Using sport, art, and culture as tools to drive social change and foster social inclusion
• Building inclusive and cohesive societies that embrace diversity and promote social cohesion
• Using AI and new technologies at the service of humanity to bridge cultural divides

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants for the Intercultural Innovation Hub are:

• Not-for-profit organizations and not-for-profit social enterprises implementing innovative projects
• Organizations focused on promoting intercultural dialogue and fostering diverse and inclusive societies
• Organizations that are willing to expand their range of action and scale up their impact
• Projects must be already implemented and demonstrate potential for growth and replication

Geographic Scope: Organizations from all regions of the world are encouraged to apply.

Benefits for Selected Recipients

Up to 10 organizations will be selected to receive comprehensive support:

Financial Support for Sustainable Growth:

• Up to USD $20,000 will be provided to each finalist to scale up their actions, accelerate the impact of their work, and enhance the sustainability of their project

Year-Long Capacity-Building Programme:

• Selected recipients will benefit from a series of workshops and masterclasses tailored to their specific needs
• Customized mentoring and support provided by UNAOC and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture
• Training in areas such as project management, fundraising, communications, and monitoring and evaluation

Access to a Global Network of Changemakers:

• Recipients will have an opportunity to extend their spheres of influence and collaborate with other changemakers from around the world
• Participation in regional and international events organized by UNAOC, BMW Group, and partners
• Membership in a global network of practitioners actively working to address cross-cultural tensions
• Opportunities for peer learning and exchange with other innovative organizations

Visibility and Recognition:

• Global recognition through UNAOC and BMW Group communications channels
• Showcasing of projects at high-level international events
• Inclusion in publications and case studies highlighting innovative approaches to intercultural dialogue

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Innovation: The project presents a novel approach to addressing intercultural challenges
• Impact: The project demonstrates tangible results and potential for significant positive change
• Sustainability: The project has a clear plan for long-term viability and growth
• Scalability: The project can be expanded or replicated in other contexts
• Alignment: The project addresses one or more of the focus areas
• Organizational Capacity: The applicant organization has the capability to implement and scale the project

Application Process

The application process requires:

• Completion of the online application form with detailed information about the organization and project
• Description of the project’s objectives, activities, and impact
• Information on how the project addresses one or more of the focus areas
• Details on the project’s innovation and potential for scaling
• Supporting documentation as specified in the application portal

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the UNAOC/BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Hub