The Cluster Fund is EUNIC's primary instrument to financially support collaborative cluster activities that embody the principles of international cultural relations and is made possible thanks to voluntary contributions from EUNIC members at headquarters level, who recognise and support the valuable collaborative work of clusters on the ground.

The fund aims to support projects that offer contemporary and creative responses to local and global challenges in innovative ways. Projects of all formats, addressing any topic, and featuring any art form from any cultural sector or field are welcome.

This year, there is no specific optional focus, however, clusters are invited to consider how their projects align with the objectives outlined in the new EUNIC Strategic Framework 2025-2029.

The call is an opportunity for cluster members to work closely together to explore how they can collaborate with local partners to creatively respond to pressing local issues, set against the backdrop of fast-evolving global geopolitical currents and increasingly uncertain international relations.

Further details about the call, application process, eligibility requirements and selection criteria can be found in the call for proposals document.

How to apply?

All EUNIC clusters are invited to submit their project proposals before 23:59 CET, Friday, 31 October 2025. Applications must be sent to clusters@eunicglobal.eu and include the following documents:

☑️ Application form completed in English
☑️ Estimated budget (in EUR) completed in English
☑️ Current Cluster Strategy (if not already submitted to the EUNIC office)

All application documents are available for download here.

A jury composed of experts from EUNIC members will evaluate proposals and select projects in November. Selected projects will be announced at the EUNIC General Assembly in Brussels in December and clusters will be notified of the decision. Projects will then be implemented throughout 2026.

Funding and requirements

• Clusters can request up to 20,000 euros, representing up to 60% of the total budget.
• At least three Full EUNIC Members must be involved.
• Proposals must be aligned with the local Cluster Strategy and the principles of fair collaboration, and must ensure the active and inclusive participation of all partners.
• Project teams should involve key local cultural partners and may consider involving their local EU Delegation or European Commission Representation.

Timeline

• 15 & 16 July: Cluster Fund information webinar - catch up here
• 16 & 17 September: Webinar with Cluster Fund alumni - Learning from past projects - register here
• 24 October: Deadline to request optional feedback from the EUNIC clusters team
• 31 October (at 23:59 CET): Application submission deadline
• November: Jury meeting - evaluation of proposals and project selection
• December: selection results announced at General Assembly and clusters notified
• January – December 2026: Project implementation period

Support from EUNIC

If you have any questions about the call or the application process, do not hesitate to contact the clusters team at clusters@eunicglobal.eu.

Clusters are encouraged to join the support webinars in July and September - these are opportunities to better understand the call, ask questions and learn from past projects.

Hear from last year’s Cluster Fund jury members who share their advice for applicants on how to make project proposals stand out and meet the criteria of the call.

Explore the 19 Cluster Fund projects that took place last year in the EUNIC Cluster Fund catalogue. The catalogue offers a snapshot of the diverse range of initiatives funded, each responding to local contexts in unique ways, and tackling different topics through innovative approaches and formats.